tahdon

Tahdon is a Finnish word with multiple uses. In everyday language it primarily appears as the first-person singular present tense form of the verb tahtoa, meaning “I want” or “I desire.” It expresses a declaration of personal will or preference and is commonly understood as emphatic or formal compared to the more everyday haluan, which also means “I want.”

The noun tahto means “will,” “desire,” or “intention.” In standard Finnish, tahdon itself is not a separate lexical item beyond this verb form, but in literary or formal usage it relates to the broader concept of a person’s will or consent. In legal, medical, or ethical discussions, the related idea of consent is typically described by tahto or tahton ilmaiseminen (expression of will), with tahtoa forming the grammatical basis for sentences about intent or approval.

Notable usage: Tahdon gained prominent public attention as the name of a Finnish campaign in 2013 advocating for same‑sex marriage, Tahdon2013. The campaign used the single word as a slogan to frame marriage equality as a matter of will and commitment, contributing to national discourse on LGBT rights and influencing legislation and public opinion.

See also: tahto, tahtoa, haluta.