pääsen

Pääsen is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Finnish verb päästä, which has a range of related meanings centered on movement toward or access to something. The core senses include getting from one place to another, reaching a destination, and being able to do or enter something. In everyday use, pääsen often expresses both physical movement and figurative possibility or permission.

Common uses include: getting somewhere, for example pääsen ulos (I get out), pääsen sisään (I get inside), or pääsen kotiin (I get home). It can also describe obtaining access or eligibility, such as pääsen mukaan (I can join), pääsen kurssille (I get into/into attend the course), or pääsen töistä aikaisin (I can leave work early). In broader terms, the verb can convey success in achieving a goal or being able to perform an action: Pääsin alkuun, meaning “I managed to start,” or Pääsen tekemään sen, “I will be able to do it.”

Grammar and related forms: The present tense forms are minä pääsen, sinä pääset, hän pääsee, me pääsemme, te pääsette, he pääsevät. The imperfect past is minä pääsin, sinä pääsit, hän pääsi, me pääsimme, te pääsitte, he pääsivät. The verb yields common derivatives such as pääsy (access, entry) and the infinitive päästä (to get out, to be able to enter).

Origin and usage notes: Pääsen derives from the Finnish verb päästä, with semantics anchored in reaching, entering, or gaining permission. The sense of ability or permission is a central feature across many Finnish expressions using this verb, including both literal movement and figurative opportunities.

See also: päästä, pääsy.