vähästi

Vähästi is a Finnish adverb. It is the comparative form of the adjective vähä, meaning "little" or "small." As an adverb, vähästi typically indicates a small amount or degree, often implying that something is done in a restrained or minimal way.

It can be used to describe the quantity of something, such as "hän puhui vähästi" (he spoke little) or "ruokaa oli vähästi" (there was little food). In these contexts, vähästi suggests a scarcity or a small portion. It can also describe the manner in which an action is performed, indicating that it is done with little intensity or effort. For example, "hän oli vähästi yllättynyt" (he was slightly surprised) conveys a mild degree of surprise.

The word vähästi can also function as a conjunction in some informal contexts, though this is less common and often considered colloquial. In such usage, it might approximate the meaning of "except for" or "barring." However, its primary and most widely accepted grammatical function is that of a comparative adverb. The superlative form of vähä is vähiten, meaning "least."