peräätetä

Peräätetä is a Finnish verb that translates most directly to "to paddle" or "to row" in English. It specifically refers to the action of propelling a boat, typically a small one like a canoe or kayak, using a paddle. The verb implies a deliberate and often sustained effort to move through the water. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe any form of manual propulsion of a watercraft using oars or paddles.

The context in which "peräätetä" is used often involves outdoor activities, recreation, and traditional modes of transportation. For example, one might "peräätetä" across a lake, down a river, or along a coastline. The term emphasizes the physical action and the interaction between the person, the paddle, and the water. While "soutaa" is another Finnish verb for rowing, "peräätetä" is more specific to the use of a paddle, particularly with vessels designed for paddling. It suggests a graceful and often quiet movement through the water, distinct from the more forceful action of rowing with oars.