Status: Working
Type: Borrowed / translated from Finnish
One-sentence definition
Sisu: The inner strength to keep acting with resilience and perseverance when a situation is difficult and the way forward is uncertain.[1]
Why the term is useful
It gives a name to resolve in motion—not merely feeling brave or hopeful, but continuing when encouragement, certainty, and visible progress are in short supply.
Origin / coined by
A Finnish word associated with resilience, perseverance, courage, and inner strength. Its root implies “inner” or “inside,” which helps explain translations such as “guts.”[2]
Example
After a difficult career transition, someone keeps making calls, revising applications, and learning from rejection—not because success feels imminent, but because the work still needs doing.
- Resilience
- Grit
- Ganbaru
Sources and notes
The Finnish national site describes sisu as a combination of resilience and perseverance, while emphasizing that no single English word fully captures it.[1]
Working concept · evolving in public