peruskeinon

Peruskeinon is the genitive form of the Finnish noun peruskeino, which denotes a basic or fundamental means, instrument, or method. The term is used in various contexts to refer to the standard or default option that serves as a starting point for action, decision-making, or problem-solving. In administrative, educational, and policy-related texts, peruskeino describes the essential tools or procedures that should be available and applicable before considering more specialized or drastic measures.

Etymology and meaning: peruskeino is a compound of perus- meaning basic or fundamental and keino meaning means, instrument, or method. The combined sense is a foundational approach that underpins further steps. The form peruskeinon appears when the expression is used in possessive or genitive constructions, such as peruskeinon käyttö (the use of the basic means) or peruskeinon rooli (the role of the basic means).

Usage and contexts: The concept is common in public administration, safety planning, education, and policy documents, where it helps to delineate which measures constitute the starting point in a given process. Because it is not a fixed technical term, the concrete content of what constitutes the “basic means” varies by sector, organization, and situation. In practice, discussions of peruskeinon focus on clarity about baseline procedures, resource allocation, and the sequence of responses.

Related terms and translation: related forms include peruskeino (singular) and more general terms such as keino or menetelmä (method). In English translations, peruskeino is often rendered as “basic measure” or “fundamental method,” with peruskeinon used in possessive or descriptive contexts.