Talk:väki

While 'väki' is nowadays often translated as 'crowd', its meaning can sometimes - especially in older language - be strength or strong. For example, 'sotaväki' can be thought to be synonymous with either 'sotavoima' (military power) or 'sotajoukko' (army), both of which are commonly used in the Finnish language. The word is often used in its original meaning in conjunction with other words: 'väkivahva' (very strong), 'väkivalta' (violence). --Ruhtinas routa 12:32, 6 April 2009 (UTC)

This is a wiki, so by all means, be bold and add the definition. Though, if you are still unsure, maybe contacting User:Jyril might be a good idea. --Eivind (t) 12:37, 6 April 2009 (UTC)

I'm not sure whether it should be mentioned as an etymology or as an alternative meaning. The meaning on its own is archaic but it's still often used in some compound words. Mixing up the two definitions could have funny consequences - 'väkivalta' could be interpreted as democracy if one considered 'väki' as 'people'. :) --Ruhtinas routa 13:56, 6 April 2009 (UTC)