tulla
/ˈtulːɑˣ/
The English verb 'come' is translated into Finnish as tulla. Wiktionary also lists saapua.
Meaning: to arrive, to appear (verb)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tulla | /ˈtulːɑˣ/ |
| saapua | /ˈsɑːpuɑˣ/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of coming, arriving or appearing.
Which one should you use?
While tulla is the common way to say 'to come', saapua is a more formal term specifically meaning 'to arrive'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present tense of tulla is tulee, meaning 'comes' or 'will come'. The second-person singular past tense is tulit, meaning 'you came' or 'you come'. When expressing motion towards a destination or a state of coming, the verb often appears in the third infinitive illative form tulemaan, particularly after verbs like alkaa (to start).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtulːɑˣ/
Did you know?
- The Finnish word for 'orgasm' is a semantic loan from the English word 'come', using tulla to mirror the English slang.
- In Finnish, the word tulla can function as a grammatical marker to indicate the future tense, much like the English word 'will'.
- Because tulla can mean 'to become', it is often used to describe a change in state rather than just physical movement.
Examples in context
- Tom ei voi tulla.Tom can't come.This sentence shows how to use tulla in a negative context.Tatoeba #6900410 by aqaq, translation #1951413 by CK
- Miksi et voi tulla?Why can't you come?This sentence uses tulla to form a question.Tatoeba #3305505 by Silja, translation #16450 by CK
- Aiotko tulla vai et?Will you come or not?This sentence uses tulla to ask about an intention.Tatoeba #3810266 by Silja, translation #3738750 by CK
- Tervetuloa kokoukseen!Welcome to the meeting!
- Tule tänne!Come here!
- Voisitko tulla auttamaan minua?Could you come and help me?
- Tuu jo!Come already!
- Mitä sä teet? Tuu tänne!What are you doing? Come here!
- Tulen mielelläni!I'd love to come!
- Tulen, jos pystyn.I'll come if I can.
- 190 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antti and Emma are planning a dinner party.
- AnttiVoitko tulla meille syömään huomenna?Can you come to our place for dinner tomorrow?
- EmmaKyllä, voin tulla kello kuudelta.Yes, I can come at six o'clock.
- AnttiTulethan sitten ajoissa?You will come on time, won't you?
- EmmaTullaan ajoissa, lupaan sen.I'll come on time, I promise.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “come” translations and entries tulla, saapua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saapua, tulla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
