nimenomaan

Nimenomaan is a Finnish adverb meaning specifically, precisely, or namely. It is used to emphasize the exact aspect or item under discussion and to mark a contrast with more general statements. The word can attach to clauses, noun phrases, or individual elements, and it is common in both spoken and written Finnish.

Usage: It is typically placed before the element it emphasizes. For example: "Nimenomaan tässä tilanteessa tarvitaan rauhallisuutta." or "Olen nimenomaan sitä mieltä, että koulutus parantaa mahdollisuuksia." It can also introduce a clarifying or corrective claim, as in "Eikä mikään muu ole ongelma; nimenomaan tämä kohta on ongelman ydin."

Nuances: Nimenomaan conveys a strong, focused emphasis and can shift the reader’s or listener’s attention to a specific point. It often signals that the speaker wants to distinguish the highlighted element from alternatives or previous statements. It appears in both formal and informal contexts and is a standard part of contemporary Finnish.

Etymology and status: The form is derived from the noun nimi (name) and functions as an intensifier in Finnish. It is a well-established word in the language, widely used across genres to add precision or emphasis.