Learning a new language involves not just understanding common phrases and vocabulary for everyday conversations, but also being able to express more complex situations like conflicts and their resolutions. Finnish, with its unique linguistic structure, offers a fascinating set of vocabulary for these situations. In this article, we’ll delve into some essential conflict and resolution vocabulary in Finnish and see them used in sentences.

Riita
Meaning ‘quarrel’ or ‘dispute’, ‘riita’ is a noun that’s commonly used to describe a general conflict or disagreement between people.
Heillä oli riita rahasta. (They had a quarrel over money.)

Erimielisyys
This noun means ‘disagreement’ or ‘difference of opinion’. It’s often used in contexts where two or more parties can’t come to a consensus.
Kokouksessa oli erimielisyyksiä strategiasta. (There were disagreements about the strategy at the meeting.)

Ymmärryksen puute
This phrase translates to ‘lack of understanding’. It’s typically used when conflicts arise from misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Ymmärryksen puute johti turhaan riitaan. (The lack of understanding led to an unnecessary quarrel.)

Neuvotella
The verb ‘neuvotella’ means ‘to negotiate’. It’s a crucial word when discussing ways to resolve conflicts or come to an agreement.
Solmimme sopimuksen neuvottelemalla. (We made an agreement by negotiating.)

Sovinto
A noun meaning ‘reconciliation’ or ‘settlement’, ‘sovinto’ refers to the resolution after a conflict where the parties have agreed and the dispute is settled.
He tekivät sovinnon pitkän riidan jälkeen. (They made a reconciliation after a long quarrel.)

Anteeksipyyntö
Literally ‘request for forgiveness’, ‘anteeksipyyntö’ is a noun used when someone is apologizing or asking for forgiveness.
Hän esitti anteeksipyynnön väärinkäsityksen vuoksi. (He offered an apology because of the misunderstanding.)

Väärinkäsitys
This noun translates to ‘misunderstanding’. It’s often used when describing the reason behind a conflict that isn’t based on actual disagreement, but rather on miscommunication.
Väärinkäsitys saatiin selvitetyksi keskustelemalla. (The misunderstanding was resolved by discussing.)

Välirikko
A ‘breach’ or ‘falling out’, ‘välirikko’ is a noun referring to a more serious break in relationships, often due to a severe conflict.
Heidän välilleen tuli välirikko erimielisyyksien vuoksi. (There was a falling out between them because of differences of opinion.)

Sovittelu
‘Sovittelu’ is a noun for ‘mediation’, a process where a third party assists those in conflict to reach a resolution.
Sovittelu auttoi heitä ymmärtämään toistensa näkökulmat. (Mediation helped them understand each other’s perspectives.)

Yhteisymmärrys
This noun means ‘mutual understanding’. It is the goal of many conflict resolutions and signifies a peaceful end to disagreements.
Saavutimme yhteisymmärryksen neuvotteluissa. (We reached a mutual understanding in the negotiations.)

Taipua kompromissiin
The verb phrase ‘taipua kompromissiin’ translates to ‘to agree to a compromise’. It implies flexibility and willingness to find a middle ground.
Lopulta molemmat osapuolet taipuivat kompromissiin. (Eventually, both parties agreed to a compromise.)

Understanding how to communicate effectively about conflict and resolution is an important skill in any language. With these Finnish words and phrases, you can handle difficult conversations with more confidence and work towards a harmonious outcome. Keep practicing these terms, and remember, resolving conflicts often involves not just the right words but also patience and empathy.