pidetäänkin

Pidetäänkin is a Finnish word that functions as a conjunction or adverb. It is often used to express a contrast or to indicate a surprising outcome. The literal translation can be challenging, but it generally conveys a sense of "however," "on the contrary," or "contrary to what was expected." It is a compound word formed from "pitää" (to hold, to consider, to be necessary) and "-kin" (an enclitic particle that emphasizes or adds a nuance).

The usage of pidetäänkin typically follows a statement that sets up an expectation, and then pidetäänkin introduces information that contradicts or modifies that expectation. For example, one might say that a task seemed easy, but pidetäänkin it turned out to be very difficult. It can also be used to express a change of opinion or a realization. If someone initially thought one thing, but then discovered something else, they might use pidetäänkin to signal this shift.

The nuances of pidetäänkin can be subtle and depend heavily on context. It implies a degree of surprise or a realization that the initial assumption was incorrect. While "but" or "however" can sometimes serve as translations, pidetäänkin carries a stronger sense of unexpectedness. It is a useful word for adding complexity and a touch of surprise to Finnish sentences.