rohkaisua

Rohkaisua is a Finnish noun referring to the act or effect of encouraging someone, especially by giving them confidence or morale. It denotes an instance or amount of encouragement, typically described in the partitive form rohkaisua (for example, tarjosimme rohkaisua). The word is closely connected to the verb rohkaista, meaning to encourage or spur on, and to the noun rohkaisu, which denotes encouragement as a concept.

Linguistic notes emphasize that rohkaisua originates from the same root as rohkea, meaning brave, and the related verb rohkaista. In usage, rohkaisua can refer to verbal encouragement, supportive feedback, or other actions intended to bolster a person’s courage, self-esteem, or motivation. It is often contrasted with related terms such as kannustus (cheering or urging, sometimes with a more active push) and inno (inspiration), though the concepts overlap.

Rohkaisua appears across various contexts. In education, teachers may provide rohkaisua to help students persist. In sports, coaches deliver rohkaisua to sustain team morale. In mental health and everyday life, friends and family may offer rohkaisua to help someone cope with challenges. It can be expressed through words, tones, or supportive actions, and can be formal (such as mentor encouragement) or informal (a kind word from a friend).

See also: kannustus, rohkeus, rohkaisu.