03/08/2026
In Canada, we often measure distance in time. “About 20 minutes from here.” But in Finland there is another way.
I’m starting a series: Beautiful Words from Other Languages. Today’s word is PORONKUSEMA.
A Nordic way to say “not too far.” About 7–8 km (4–5 miles).
Word breakdown:
• poro — reindeer
• kusema — a place where someone peed
Historically, it meant the distance a reindeer could travel before stopping for… a bathroom break.
So if you ask where to find a decent coffee…
🇬🇧 Good coffee is just one poronkusema away.
🇫🇷 Un bon café est à un poronkusema d’ici.
🇫🇮 Hyvää kahvia on vain yhden poronkuseman päässä.
🇷🇺 Хороший кофе всего в одном поронкусема отсюда.
And now you know ❤️🇨🇦😁