nukke
/ˈnukːe/
The English word "dummy" can be translated into Finnish as nukke.
nukke refers to a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder. In specific contexts such as fashion or retail displays, the compound word mallinukke is used to mean a mannequin or model dummy.
Meaning: a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word nukke changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. Use the genitive form nuken to indicate possession or a relationship to the dummy. If the dummy is the object of an ongoing action or is part of an indefinite quantity, use the partitive form nukkea. For an indefinite number of dummies, use the partitive plural form nukkeja.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnukːe/
Did you know?
- Even though it sounds similar, the word nukke is not used to mean 'stupid' or 'idiot' as the English word 'dummy' often is.
- While nukke means a dummy or doll, the verb nukkua means 'to sleep', though linguists are not certain if the two words share a common origin.
- While nukke means 'dummy' or 'doll', the word nukka refers to 'lint' or 'fluff'. Some linguists believe the two words are related, suggesting a connection between a doll and soft materials.
Examples in context
- Olet aina niin tumpelo!You're always such a dummy!
Example conversation
Matti and Laura are reviewing a website prototype.
- MattiOnko tämä teksti jo lopullinen?Is this text already final?
- LauraEi, tuo on vain nukke.No, that is just a dummy.
- MattiMilloin oikea teksti tulee?When will the real text arrive?
- LauraKorvaan nuken huomenna.I will replace the dummy tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nukke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nukke, CC BY-SA 4.0.
