toiminnassa

Toiminnassa is a Finnish term used to describe the state of being in operation or functioning. It is the inessive form of the noun toiminta (activity, operation) or toiminto (function), and translates roughly as “in operation” or “in functioning.” The word is used to indicate that something is currently active and performing its intended tasks.

In practical use, toiminnassa refers to devices, systems, processes, or organizations that are currently working. It is common in technical, industrial, IT, and everyday language. It contrasts with expressions such as poissa käytöstä (out of service) or rikkinäinen (broken). Examples include: “Kone on toiminnassa” (The machine is in operation) and “Järjestelmä on ollut toiminnassa koko päivän” (The system has been in operation for the whole day).

Grammatical notes: toiminnassa is the inessive case form indicating location or state “in operation.” Related forms include toiminta/toiminto in other cases (for example, toiminnan for genitive, toimintaa for partitive). The term is neutral and widely used in descriptive, technical, and everyday Finland-Swedish contexts. Related adjectives are toimiva (functional, operational) and toiminnallinen (operational, functional in character).

Usage overview: toiminnassa emphasizes the operational status of something rather than merely its use. It is often preferred in contexts where the focus is on functioning and performance rather than mere occupancy or usage.