Learning Finnish can seem daunting due to its unique structure and vocabulary, but mastering some basic verbs can be a great starting point. Here’s a list of essential Finnish verbs that every beginner should learn to enhance their conversational skills and comprehension.
Olla – To be
This verb is one of the most fundamental in Finnish and is used to indicate existence, identity, or possession.
Minä olen opettaja. – I am a teacher.
Tehdä – To do, to make
This versatile verb is used in many contexts, whether talking about creating something or performing an action.
Hän tekee läksyjä. – He is doing homework.
Nähdä – To see
An important sensory verb, “nähdä” is used to describe the act of seeing or perceiving something.
Me näemme elokuvan tänään. – We are seeing a movie today.
Kuunnella – To listen
Listening is as crucial as speaking in any language, and “kuunnella” is the verb to express this action.
Kuuntele, kun minä puhun. – Listen when I speak.
Menä – To go
Another essential verb, “menä,” is used to talk about going from one place to another.
Hän menee kouluun. – He goes to school.
Tulla – To come
The counterpart to “menä,” this verb is used when someone or something is coming towards the speaker or to a particular location.
Tule tänne! – Come here!
Syödä – To eat
An essential verb for everyday conversation, “syödä” refers to the action of eating.
Me syömme nyt. – We are eating now.
Juoda – To drink
Similarly, “juoda” covers the action of drinking.
Hän juo vettä. – He is drinking water.
Nukkua – To sleep
To talk about resting or sleeping, “nukkua” is the verb you will use.
Minä nukun. – I am sleeping.
Puhua – To speak
A vital verb for language learners, “puhua” is used to describe the act of speaking.
Puhumme suomea. – We speak Finnish.
Opettaa – To teach
For educators or in educational settings, knowing how to use “opettaa” is crucial.
Opetan suomea. – I teach Finnish.
Oppia – To learn
The flip side of “opettaa,” “oppia” is what the students do.
Opimme suomea. – We learn Finnish.
Avata – To open
Whether it’s opening a door or starting a meeting, “avata” is the verb used.
Hän avaa ikkunan. – He opens the window.
Sulkea – To close
The opposite of “avata,” “sulkea” is used when closing something.
Sulje ovi, kiitos. – Close the door, please.
Rakastaa – To love
An important verb for expressing feelings, “rakastaa” is used in romantic and familial contexts.
Minä rakastan sinua. – I love you.
Vihata – To hate
To express strong dislike, “vihata” is the verb you would use.
Hän vihaa kylmää säätä. – He hates cold weather.
Antaa – To give
A common verb in daily transactions and interactions, “antaa” means to give.
Anna minulle kirja. – Give me the book.
Ottaa – To take
The counterpart to “antaa,” “ottaa” means to take something.
Otan yhden omenan. – I’ll take one apple.
Käyttää – To use
Whether it’s using a tool or a language, “käyttää” is the appropriate verb.
Käytämme tietokonetta. – We use the computer.
Voittaa – To win
Used in competitions and challenges, “voittaa” means to win.
Hän voittaa pelin. – He wins the game.
Hävitä – To lose
The opposite of “voittaa,” “hävitä” is used when someone loses a game or contest.
Me hävisimme ottelun. – We lost the match.
By familiarizing yourself with these essential Finnish verbs, you’ll be better equipped to build sentences and express a wide range of actions and emotions. Remember, consistent practice and exposure are key to mastering any new language. Happy learning!
