putoavissa

Putoavissa is a Finnish term used as an adjective or present participle derived from the verb putoa (to fall). It conveys a state where something is falling or is in danger of falling. The form is commonly used attributively to describe hazards, materials, or structures that are not securely supported, as in phrases like putoavissa oleva kivi (a rock that may fall) or putoavissa olevat esineet (objects that may fall). The nuance focuses on the potential or ongoing state of falling rather than the act itself.

Etymologically, putoavissa combines the present active participle putoava (falling) with the inessive suffix -ssa, producing a phrase that means “in a state of falling” or “prone to fall.” In practice, it is frequently encountered in safety warnings, risk assessments, and technical descriptions, especially in construction, geology, and urban planning contexts.

Usage considerations include the fact that putoavissa is used to describe conditions rather than completed actions. The related noun form putoaminen denotes the act of falling, while the plural verb form putoavat means “are falling.” The adjective putoava is more general for “falling,” with putoavissa providing a state-oriented nuance suitable for hazard descriptions and preventive signage.

See also: putoava, putoaminen, putoamisvaara, turvallisuusmerkinnät.

Note: In everyday Finnish, speakers may choose different expressions depending on the exact meaning and context, but putoavissa consistently signals a state or likelihood of falling.