asianajaja
/ˈɑsiɑnˌɑjɑjɑ/
The Finnish word for lawyer is asianajaja, lakimies or juristi.
Meaning: professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| asianajaja | /ˈɑsiɑnˌɑjɑjɑ/ |
| lakimies | /ˈlɑkiˌmie̯s/ |
| juristi | /ˈjuristi/ |
These terms describe professionals qualified to provide legal advice or represent parties in lawsuits.
What does it mean word for word?
The word asianajaja is built from asia, meaning matter or case and the agent suffix -ajaja, meaning one who does or handles. Literally, it means "one who handles matters".
Which one should you use?
Lakimies is a broad, general term for a lawyer or legal professional. Juristi refers to a jurist or someone who holds a law degree, though they may not necessarily be licensed to practice as an advocate. Asianajaja specifically refers to a licensed attorney-at-law or advocate who is authorized to practice and act in court.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "to a lawyer" in the allative case, use the form asianajajalle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɑsiɑnˌɑjɑjɑ/
Did you know?
- The word asianajaja literally translates to 'one who drives matters', which sounds more like a driver or a chauffeur than a legal professional.
- The term lakimies is composed of 'law' and 'man', but in modern Finnish, it is a gender-neutral term used for any person regardless of gender.
- The term asianajaja can also be used in a non-legal sense to describe someone who advocates or lobbies for a specific cause or interest.
Examples in context
- Hän ei liene asianajaja.I doubt that he's a lawyer.This sentence is useful for expressing doubt about someone's profession using asianajaja.Tatoeba #4455810 by Sanaseppo, translation #4455783 by AlanF_US
- Miksi et kysy juristilta?Why don't you consult a lawyer?This sentence is useful for suggesting a consultation with a juristi.Tatoeba #7824665 by Thanuir, translation #320436 by CK
- En usko hänen olevan lakimies.I don't believe he's a lawyer.This sentence is useful for expressing disbelief regarding someone's profession using lakimies.Tatoeba #2812775 by Kalle63, translation #2146409 by jeedrek
- Lakimies käsittelee oikeudellisia asioita päivittäin.A lawyer deals with legal matters daily.
- Tämä tapaus vaatii pätevän juristin apua.This case requires the assistance of a competent lawyer.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antti and Laura are discussing a legal problem.
- AnttiMinun täytyy löytää hyvä asianajaja.I need to find a good lawyer.
- LauraTunnen yhden, jos haluat hänen numeronsa.I know one, if you want their number.
- AnttiOnko hän kokenut asianajaja?Is he/she an experienced lawyer?
- LauraKyllä, hän on tehnyt tätä vuosia.Yes, they have been doing this for years.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lawyer” translations and entries asianajaja, lakimies, juristi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asianajaja, juristi, lakimies, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
