toiminto

Toiminto is a Finnish noun describing the function, operation, act, or activity of a person, device, or system. It can refer to a task performed, the capability of a mechanism, or the way something works.

Etymology: The word is derived from the verb toimia, meaning “to act,” with the noun-forming suffix -nto. The result is a term that denotes a thing related to acting or performing.

Usage: In everyday language, toiminto often refers to a particular function or operation: for example, the device’s toiminto (the device’s function), or the execution of a task as in toiminnon suorittaminen (performing a function). It can describe both an action by a person and the functional behavior of a system.

In technology and computing: The term is commonly used to describe a feature or operation available to the user, such as a software toiminto or a user interface label. In code, toiminto can be used loosely to mean a function or method, but technical writing often prefers funktio for a mathematical or programming function, while toiminto emphasizes the practical capability it enables.

In science and engineering: In biology or engineering, toiminto denotes the function or role of a part or subsystem, for example an organ’s toiminto or a machine’s toimintakyky (operating capability).

See also: toiminnallisuus, toiminnallinen.