pysähtykää

Pysähtykää is a Finnish word that translates to "stop" or "halt" in English. It is the second-person plural imperative form of the verb pysähtyä, which means to stop. This form is used when addressing a group of people, commanding them to stop an action or movement. For example, if a teacher wants their entire class to stop talking, they might say "Pysähtykää."

The word can also be used in a more general sense, referring to a pause or cessation of activity. In a traffic context, a sign with "Pysähtykää" would indicate a requirement to stop, similar to a stop sign in English-speaking countries. It implies a complete stop, not just a slowing down.

Beyond its literal meaning, "pysähtykää" can be used metaphorically to suggest taking a moment to reflect or to pause in one's life. It encourages a collective pause, a moment for a group to cease their current endeavors and perhaps reconsider their direction or actions. The emphasis is on the collective "you" – the group being addressed.