taulu

Taulu is a Finnish noun with several related meanings centered on a flat, usually rectangular surface used for display, writing, or depiction. The primary senses are a picture or painting (often framed and hung on a wall) and a board or slate used for writing or information, such as a chalkboard or whiteboard in a classroom, a bulletin board, or a nameplate.

Context determines which sense is intended. For example, taulu can refer to a painting on a wall when someone says “taulu seinällä,” or to a writing surface when discussing what to put on the board. The plural taulut can indicate multiple paintings or multiple boards, depending on the situation. In everyday language, taulu commonly appears in homes, galleries, schools, and offices, while in art history it usually denotes a single painted work, often with historical or artistic significance.

Related terms exist inFinnish to distinguish related concepts. For instance, taulukko is used for a table, chart, or spreadsheet, showing how similar words derive from the broader idea of a flat, informative surface. The word taulu also has cognates in other Finnic languages, which carry parallel notions of a surface used for display or depiction.

Overall, taulu is a versatile term in Finnish that covers both visual art and functional boards, with context guiding its precise meaning.