säikähti

Säikähti is a Finnish word that translates to "got scared" or "was startled" in English. It is the past tense of the verb säikähtää. The word describes a sudden feeling of fear or surprise, often in response to an unexpected event or sight. It implies a brief, sharp reaction rather than a prolonged state of fear.

The context in which säikähti is used can vary. It might describe a person jumping when a loud noise occurs, or an animal fleeing from a sudden movement. The intensity of the scare can range from a mild surprise to a more significant fright. The word is commonly used in everyday conversation and literature to depict such moments.

For example, one might say "Hän säikähti kovaa ääntä" which means "He/She got scared by the loud noise." Similarly, "Kissa säikähti ja juoksi piiloon" translates to "The cat got scared and ran to hide." The word is a straightforward description of a common human and animal reaction to stimuli that provoke a startle response. It is a fundamental part of the Finnish vocabulary for expressing emotional reactions.