pärjäämistä

Pärjäämistä is a Finnish word that translates roughly to "getting by," "managing," or "coping" in English. It encompasses a broad range of situations where an individual or group is facing challenges or difficulties but is able to overcome them or endure them to a sufficient degree. It implies a level of resilience and resourcefulness, even if not always a state of thriving or success.

The concept of pärjäämistä can be applied to various aspects of life, from personal finances and health to social relationships and academic or professional performance. For instance, someone might be pärjäämistä if they are able to make ends meet despite a low income, or if they are managing a chronic illness with the help of medication and lifestyle adjustments. In a broader societal context, a community might be described as pärjäämistä if it is navigating economic hardship or social change without collapsing.

The term often carries a slightly stoic or pragmatic connotation. It suggests that while life may not be easy, and one might not be experiencing optimal conditions, there is a capacity to adapt and persevere. It acknowledges that survival and functional continuation are valuable in themselves, even in the absence of luxury or ease. The focus is on the ability to continue functioning and meet basic needs, rather than on achieving extraordinary results.