sääntöihinsä

Sääntöihinsä is a Finnish expression that literally conveys “into their rules” or “according to their rules.” It is formed by combining the noun sääntö (rule) with the illative plural suffix -ihin, indicating direction or reference, and the third-person plural possessive suffix -nsä, marking ownership by a group. The resulting form denotes that actions, decisions, or behavior are guided by the rules belonging to a particular group, organization, or individuals.

In use, sääntöihinsä is typically employed with verbs that describe acting, deciding, or referring to rules. It highlights that the rules of others, rather than external norms, govern the situation. Common collocations include sääntöihinsä vedoten (by appealing to their rules) and sääntöihinsä nojaten (based on their rules). The construction can carry nuances of formality, structure, or rigidity, depending on context.

Examples:

- Organisaatio toimi sääntöihinsä vedoten. (The organization acted by appealing to its own rules.)

- Hallitus teki päätöksen sääntöihinsä nojaten. (The cabinet made the decision, based on its own rules.)

Notes:

The form illustrates Finnish noun inflection with case, number, and possessive suffixes layered together. It is most natural in formal or analytical prose and in discussions of governance, regulation, or organizational behavior.