puvussa

Puvussa is a Finnish term that functions as the inessive form of the noun puku, meaning “in a suit.” It is used to describe someone who is wearing a suit or to indicate formal attire in a state or setting. The phrase can appear in descriptive writing, journalism, or everyday speech to convey formality or professional dress.

Etymology and grammar: Puku means a suit or dress. The suffix -ssa is the Finnish inessive case, which marks location or state, yielding puvussa strictly as “in a suit.” Related forms include puvut (suits, plural) and puvuissa (in suits, plural inessive).

Usage and nuance: Puvussa emphasizes the state of wearing a suit rather than referencing the garment itself. It is common in descriptive passages, event reports, or literary contexts. In everyday conversation, speakers more often say puku päällä (wearing a suit) or simply puettu as an adjective, but puvussa remains a valid and precise option when the emphasis is on formal attire.

See also: puku, asu, and Finnish clothing vocabulary.