siviili

Siviili is a Finnish noun meaning civil, non-religious, or civilian. It is used to describe aspects of private life or state affairs that are distinct from religious or military spheres. The word is etymologically derived from Swedish sivill and ultimately from Latin civilis, and it functions as a general label for civil life, civil status, and civil institutions.

In everyday language, siviili appears in several common expressions. Siviilivihkiminen refers to civil marriage, i.e., a marriage performed by a civil authority rather than a religious ceremony. The term emphasizes the secular nature of the union. Siviilisääty denotes civil status, such as marital state (single, married, divorced, widowed) as recognized by the state, independent of religious affiliation. Siviilipalvelus is the system of civilian service used as an alternative for individuals who object to military service on conscientious or other grounds; it denotes public-service work administered by the state rather than military duty.

Beyond these compounds, siviili broadly contrasts with religious or military domains. In legal and sociological contexts, the word helps distinguish civil law, civil rights, and civil society from religious institutions and military structures. The concept of siviili thus encompasses private, secular, and state-recognized aspects of life.

See also: Civil law, Civil service, Civil marriage.