Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| onnellisuus | /ˈonːelːisuːs/ |
| onni | /ˈonːi/ |
| ilo | /ˈilo/ |
| riemu | /ˈrie̯mu/ |
Finnish uses different words to describe levels and types of happiness. Onnellisuus refers to the general state of being happy. Onni can refer to a deeper state of happiness but also carries the meaning of luck or good fortune. Ilo describes a more fleeting, outward expression of joy or delight. Riemu is used for intense, exuberant and often loud feelings of triumph or exultation. Finally, the formal and poetic term Autuus is used to describe bliss or profound happiness.
Which one should you use?
While onnellisuus refers specifically to the state of being happy, onni is more versatile as it also means luck or good fortune. For outward and fleeting joy, use ilo, whereas onni is deeper. If you want to express much more intense and loud jubilation, use riemu instead of onnellisuus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of onnellisuus is onnellinen. When you need to show possession, the genitive form is onnellisuuden. If you are expressing an uncountable amount of happiness or using specific grammatical constructions such as 'I feel happiness', use the partitive form onnellisuutta.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈonːelːisuːs/
Did you know?
- The word ilo for joy is a linguistic relative of the Estonian word ilu, which means 'beauty'.
- While onnellisuus is the noun for happiness, the word onni is often used in Finnish to describe a person's 'lot in life' or destiny.
- In Finnish culture, onni is often conceptualized as something that can be found or chased, blending the ideas of happiness and fortune.
Examples in context
- Onni ei kestä ikuisesti.Happiness doesn't last forever.This example shows the use of onni to describe the duration of happiness.Tatoeba #11528441 by Johannes_S, translation #9671459 by Adelpa
- Onni on pienissä asioissa.Happiness is in the little things.This example shows the use of onni to describe where happiness is found.Tatoeba #12241060 by Johannes_S, translation #9973818 by ddnktr
- Mitä onni merkitsee sinulle?What is happiness to you?This example shows the use of onni to ask about someone's definition of happiness.Tatoeba #4718510 by Sanaseppo, translation #4717601 by xorgy
- suuri iloGreat happiness
- syvää onneaDeep bliss
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Antti are discussing a book about psychology.
- EmmaTämä kirja kertoo siitä, mikä tuo meille onnellisuutta.This book tells us about what brings us happiness.
- AnttiUskon, että onnellisuus tulee sisäisestä rauhasta.I believe that happiness comes from inner peace.
- EmmaOletko samaa mieltä tämän kirjan kanssa, Antti?Do you agree with this book, Antti?
- AnttiKyllä, se kuvaa onnellisuutta hyvin realistisesti.Yes, it describes happiness very realistically.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happiness” translations and entries onnellisuus, onni, ilo, riemu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ilo, onnellisuus, onni, riemu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
