sisu

Sisu is a Finnish concept describing perseverance, determination, resilience, and inner strength in the face of adversity. It is often described as a defining element of Finnish character and is used to characterize both individual behavior and the broader national spirit.

The exact origin of the term is uncertain, with usage in Finnish dating to at least the 19th century. Sisu is not a direct English equivalent for grit or courage alone; it implies a combination of stamina, resourcefulness, and the will to persist even when the chances of success are uncertain.

In practice, sisu is invoked in sports, business, education, and daily life as a description of tenacity and sustained effort. It can describe enduring hardship, delaying gratification, and continuing to act despite fear or fatigue. The concept also appears in literature and media as a cultural ideal.

In scholarship and culture, researchers describe sisu as a multi-dimensional construct that blends courage, perseverance, and pragmatic problem-solving. It is regarded as part of Finnish identity, though commentators caution against romanticizing resilience without acknowledging limits or structural constraints.