pelotemainen

Pelotemainen is a Finnish adjective that translates to something like "fearful," "timid," or "prone to being scared." It describes an individual who exhibits a disposition towards fearfulness or a tendency to be easily frightened. This can manifest in various ways, such as being hesitant in new situations, showing anxiety when confronted with perceived threats, or displaying a general lack of boldness. The term often implies a personality trait rather than a temporary state of being scared.

The adjective is commonly used to describe animals, particularly pets, that are shy or easily startled by loud noises, unfamiliar people, or strange environments. For example, a "pelotemainen koira" would be a dog that is easily frightened and might hide or tremble in such situations. It can also be applied to people, especially children, who are naturally cautious or exhibit a higher level of anxiety than their peers. While often associated with a negative connotation of weakness, it can also simply describe a characteristic temperament. The opposite of pelotemainen might be described with words like rohkea (brave) or uskalias (daring). Understanding the nuances of pelotemainen helps in interpreting descriptions of behavior and personality in Finnish.