Finnish is a language rich with expressions and idioms that often reflect the culture, history, and humor of Finland. Understanding these idioms can provide deeper insight into conversations and texts for learners of Finnish. Here are some common Finnish idioms, their meanings, and how they are used in sentences.
Olla oma itsensä – To be oneself, to act naturally or comfortably.
On tärkeää olla oma itsensä työhaastattelussa.
This idiom is used to express the importance of being true to oneself, especially in situations where there is a temptation to conform or pretend.
Panna parastaan – To do one’s best, to put in a great effort.
Kun opiskelet kieliä, on hyvä aina panna parastaan.
This phrase is commonly used to encourage someone to give their best performance or effort, particularly in challenging situations.
Heittää lusikka nurkkaan – To give up, to stop trying.
Hän heitti lusikan nurkkaan, kun matematiikka kävi liian vaikeaksi.
Literally meaning “to throw the spoon into the corner,” this idiom is used when someone decides to quit or cease making an effort, especially after a struggle or frustration.
Vetää herne nenään – To get upset or angry over a minor issue.
Älä vedä hernettä nenään, jos unohdan soittaa sinulle.
This colorful expression, which translates to “to pull a pea into the nose,” describes overreacting or being overly sensitive to a small matter.
Olla monta rautaa tulessa – To have many irons in the fire, to be involved in many activities or projects at once.
Yrittäjänä on usein monta rautaa tulessa.
This idiom is often used to describe someone who is very busy or has diversified interests or responsibilities.
Silmät selässä – Eyes in the back of one’s head, to be very perceptive or vigilant.
Opettajalla täytyy olla silmät selässä pitääkseen luokan hallinnassa.
This expression is used to describe someone who is able to perceive things around them that others might not notice, suggesting a high level of awareness or caution.
Puhua kuin ruuneperi – To talk nonsense or incomprehensibly.
Kun hän väsyy, hän alkaa puhua kuin ruuneperi.
The phrase is used to describe someone who is speaking in a way that is difficult to understand, either because of using nonsensical words or speaking very unclearly.
Antaa mennä vaan – Just let it go, to not worry about something too much.
Jos et voi asialle mitään, anna mennä vaan.
This idiom encourages a laid-back approach or letting go of stress about things that cannot be controlled or changed.
Lyödä hanskat tiskiin – To throw in the towel, to give up.
Jos tehtävä tuntuu mahdottomalta, älä lyö hanskoja tiskiin liian aikaisin.
This phrase is similar to “heittää lusikka nurkkaan,” but it’s more commonly used in the context of resigning from a job or giving up on a larger, more significant effort.
Olla kahden vaiheilla – To be in two minds, to be undecided.
Olin kahden vaiheilla, pitäisikö minun muuttaa uuteen kaupunkiin.
This idiom describes a state of indecision or uncertainty, where a person is torn between two choices or courses of action.
Understanding these idioms not only enriches your vocabulary but also gives you a glimpse into Finnish culture and thought processes. When learning Finnish, try to incorporate these expressions into your conversations to sound more like a native speaker and to enhance your understanding of the language.
