suuntaviivoina

Suuntaviivoina is a Finnish term that means “as guidelines” or “as guiding principles.” It is the plural essive form of suuntaviiva, a noun meaning guideline, directive, or point of orientation. The essive case expresses a state or role, so suuntaviivoina denotes something being used in the capacity of guidelines.

In written Finnish, suuntaviivoina is commonly used to present or summarize the guiding principles behind a plan, policy, project, or process. It signals that the following items are not mandatory rules, but recommended directions to follow or consider. The construction is often found in formal or analytical texts, such as reports, policy documents, or strategic plans.

Typical usage patterns include introducing a list or framework. For example: Kampanjan suuntaviivoina ovat avoimuus, osallistaminen ja vastuullisuus. Tämän hankkeen suuntaviivoina toimivat kolme periaatetta: kestävyys, läpinäkyvyys ja yhteistyö. In these sentences, suuntaviivoina functions as a complement that frames the items as guiding principles rather than formal regulations.

Etymology and morphology: suuntaviivoina is formed from suunta (direction) and viiva (line) with the plural essive suffix -ina, producing the sense of “in the form of guidelines.” The form can be replaced by other numbers or cases to shift emphasis or number of guidelines, but the meaning remains anchored in guidance or direction.