opastavat

Opastavat is a Finnish term that primarily functions as a verb form derived from opastaa, meaning to guide, show the way, or instruct. In grammar, opastavat is the third-person plural present indicative: "they guide" or "they are guiding." It can also serve as the present active participle meaning "guiding" depending on context.

In practice, opastaa is used when describing someone providing guidance or instruction. The lexical base for a person who guides is opas (guide), with oppaat as the plural. The noun opastus means guidance, instruction, or briefing. The form opastavat, as a verb, describes the action performed by plural subjects, for example: "Opastavat vieraita sekä matkalla että tilaisuudessa" ("They guide guests both on the trip and at the event"). Finnish relies on word endings to convey tense and subject, so subject-verb agreement is essential.

Common contexts include guided tours, safety briefings, educational settings, and onboarding in workplaces, where staff or instructors guide participants through tasks or information. The term is neutral and broadly applicable to any situation involving directing, teaching, or leading others through a process or space.

See also: opas, oppaat, opastus, opaste.