työkseen

Työkseen is a Finnish adverb meaning "as work" or "for a living," used to describe actions performed primarily to earn income or in a professional capacity rather than as a hobby. The term highlights that the activity constitutes the person's occupation or main source of income.

Etymology and form: The word is built from the noun työ "work" and a suffix forming an adverbial sense of role or function, resulting in one word työkseen. It is used with verbs of doing or making, for example "Hän korjaa autoja työkseen" (He repairs cars as his job) or "Hän kirjoittaa artikkeleita työkseen" (He writes articles for a living).

Usage notes: Työkseen is neutral and widely understood in standard Finnish, appropriate in both written and spoken language. It often occurs in biographical or descriptive passages, job advertisements, and news reporting. It does not necessarily imply formal employment, but it does indicate that the activity is paid or conducted regularly as part of one's work.

Related terms: ammatti (profession), ansaita elanto (to earn a living), työ (work). Distinctions: työkseen contrasts with harrastuksena or vapaa-ajalla, which describe activities done for leisure rather than for pay.

Limitations: Not all actions can be described as työkseen; the term presumes a work-like, income-generating purpose.