nykyaikaiset

Nykyaikaiset is a Finnish adjective meaning modern or contemporary, used to describe things associated with the present era. It is the plural nominative form of nykyaikainen and typically precedes a noun to indicate modern characteristics, for example nykyaikaiset rakennukset (modern buildings) or nykyaikaiset teknologiat (modern technologies). The related noun nykyaika refers to the modern age or present day.

Origin and form: The word is built from nykyaika, meaning the present age, with the common Finnish -ainen adjective suffix, producing nykyaikainen meaning modern. The prefix nykyaika combines nyk- “now” with aika “time.” Nyky- forms also occur in other words such as nykyinen (present, current). Nykyaikaiset agrees with its noun in number and case, e.g., nykyaikaisia (partitive plural), nykyaikaista (partitive singular), nykyaikaisiin (illative plural). The comparative and superlative forms are nykyaikaisempi (more modern) and nykyaikaisin (the most modern).

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, nykyaikaiset emphasizes current, cutting-edge attributes rather than simple newness. It is common in journalism, marketing, architecture, technology, culture, and business writing. While closely related to synonyms like moderni, nykyaikaiset conveys a sense of alignment with present standards and contemporary practices. The term is neutral and descriptive, suitable for formal and informal contexts alike.