Language/Finnish/Grammar/Questions
Asking questions is an essential part of communication in any language. In this lesson, we will learn how to ask questions in Finnish. Finnish, a Uralic language spoken primarily in Finland, has its own unique question words and sentence structure. Let's explore the various question words and their usage in Finnish.
Basic Question Words:[edit | edit source]
1.1. Mikä/Mitä:[edit | edit source]
- Mikä is used when asking about the quality or nature of something.
- Mitä is used when asking about the object or thing.
Example sentences:
- Mikä tämä on? (What is this?)
- Mitä teet? (What are you doing?)
1.2. Kuka/Ketä:[edit | edit source]
- Kuka is used when asking about a person or people.
- Ketä is the accusative form of kuka, used for the object of the sentence.
Example sentences:
- Kuka hän on? (Who is he/she?)
- Ketä sinä odotat? (Whom are you waiting for?)
1.3. Missä:[edit | edit source]
- Missä is used to inquire about the location or place of something.
Example sentence:
- Missä on kahvila? (Where is the café?)
1.4. Milloin:[edit | edit source]
- Milloin is used to ask about time or when something is happening.
Example sentence:
- Milloin lähdet matkalle? (When are you leaving for the trip?)
Sentence Structure in Questions:[edit | edit source]
In Finnish, questions are typically formed by using a question word and the verb, followed by the subject.
Example sentences:
- Miksi hän itkee? (Why is he/she crying?)
- Mitä sinä haluat syödä? (What do you want to eat?)
Intonation and Question Mark:[edit | edit source]
In addition to word order, intonation plays a crucial role in indicating a question. Finnish questions often have a rising intonation towards the end of the sentence. Additionally, a question mark (?) is used at the end of a sentence to signify that it is a question.
Example sentence:
- Oletko nähnyt avaimeni? (Have you seen my keys?)
Practice Exercise:[edit | edit source]
Now, let's practice asking questions in Finnish. Translate the following sentences into Finnish:
a) Where is the library?
b) What time does the train arrive?
c) Who is coming to the party?
d) Why are you late?
e) What are you studying?
Answers: a) Missä on kirjasto? b) Mihin aikaan juna saapuu? c) Kuka tulee juhliin? d) Miksi olet myöhässä? e) Mitä opiskelet?
Summary[edit | edit source]
In the table below, you will find the main Finnish question words and phrases.
Finnish | English |
---|---|
kuka | who |
missä | where |
mikä | what |
miksi | why |
miten | how |
kumpi | which |
milloin | when |
kuinka paljon? | how much? |
kuinka monta? | how many? |
Missä on vessa? | Where is the toilet? |
Mikä sinun nimesi on? | What's your name? |
Voitko auttaa minua? | Can you help me? |
Rakastatko minua? | Do you love me? |
Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa? | How much is this? |
Videos[edit | edit source]
Another simple way to make closed questions - Finnish Grammar for ...[edit | edit source]
Easy Beginner Finnish Grammar: Negative questions - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Basic Finnish Grammar:Questions ending in KO/KÖ - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Possessive Case in Finnish
- Future Tense
- Sentence Structure
- Adjectives
- Plurals
- How to Use Have
- Prepositions
- Past Tense
- Definite Articles in Finnish