ulkomaihin

Ulkomaihin is a Finnish word that translates to "abroad" or "to foreign countries" in English. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to refer to traveling to or residing in a country other than one's own. The word is formed by combining "ulkomaa" (foreign country) with the allative case ending "-hin," which indicates movement towards a place.

The concept of ulkomaihin encompasses a wide range of experiences, from short business trips and vacations to long-term expatriation and international migration. When Finns talk about going ulkomaihin, they might be planning a summer holiday in Southern Europe, seeking work opportunities in North America, or studying at a university in Asia. The term is neutral and does not inherently carry positive or negative connotations, simply describing the act of being outside one's home country.

In a broader sense, "ulkomaihin" can also refer to the broader concept of international relations or foreign affairs, though more specific terms are typically used in those contexts. However, in everyday Finnish, it remains the go-to word for discussing any travel or presence in places beyond Finland's borders.