pahuutta

Pahuutta is a Finnish noun that denotes evilness, wickedness, or moral wrongdoing. It refers to the state or quality of being morally bad and to acts or intentions that cause harm or violate ethical norms. In everyday Finnish, pahuutta is often contrasted with hyvyyttä (goodness). The term is used in ethical discussion, religious discourse, literature, and journalism to indicate moral judgment about actions or character.

The word derives from the adjective paha, meaning bad or evil, with the abstract-noun suffix -uutta, yielding pahuutta as “evilness” or “wickedness.” It is a normative term, with its strength and nuance depending on context, ranging from mild criticism to strong condemnation.

In philosophy and theology, pahuutta is used when addressing the nature of evil, moral responsibility, and the sources of harm—whether as a consequence of free will, social conditions, or metaphysical forces. In Finnish folklore and culture, pahuutta can be described as malevolent acts, curses, or schemes associated with villains or supernatural agents. In psychology and ethics, the concept supports discussions about intentional harm, moral agency, and the distinction between wrongdoing and misfortune.

In ordinary language, pahuutta appears in statements about conduct or character, serving as a label for actions that violate moral norms or undermine others’ well-being.