olen onnellinen
/ˈolen ˈonːelːinen/word by word
In Finnish, the phrase for "I am happy" is olen onnellinen.
This phrase is used to express a general feeling of happiness or a state of long-term well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of olen (the first-person singular form of olla, to be) and onnellinen (happy).
Which one should you use?
olen onnellinen refers to a state of being or long-term happiness, whereas olen iloinen refers to being happy in a more fleeting, momentary sense such as being "glad" or "joyful".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈolen ˈonːelːinen/
Did you know?
- The word onnellinen shares its root with onni, which means 'luck' or 'fortune'. In Finnish, being happy is conceptually tied to being lucky or having good fortune.
- While onnellinen describes a deep state of being, a Finn might use hyvän mielen to describe a 'good mood'. This translates literally to 'of a good mind'.
- While olen onnellinen describes a state, Finns often use the word hyvä ('good') in phrases like minulla on hyvä olla to describe general well-being.
Examples in context
- ”Olen onnellinen”, hän sanoi itselleen."I am happy," she said to herself.This sentence shows the phrase being used in self-reflection.Tatoeba #2714692 by Silja, translation #73663 by CM
- Olen onnellinen nähdessäni vihreän lippumme hulmuavan tuulessa.I am happy to see our green flag flying in the wind.This sentence shows the phrase used to express happiness regarding a specific sight.Tatoeba #2824842 by Kalle63, translation #2403483 by amazighgirl
- Minulla on vähän rahaa. Sinun ja niiden kanssa olen onnellinen.I have a little money. With you and this, I am happy.This sentence shows the phrase used to express happiness in connection with people or circumstances.Tatoeba #3216567 by Silja, translation #853243 by piksea
- Olen iloinen voidessani tavata teidät.I am happy to meet you.
- Olen iloinen, että näemme pitkästä aikaa.I am happy to see you after a long time.
- Olen superonnellinen voitostani!I am super happy about my victory!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juho and Laura are talking about their lives.
- JuhoMinä olen onnellinen nykyiseen työhöni.I am happy with my current job.
- LauraSe on hienoa kuulla, Juho.That is great to hear, Juho.
- JuhoEntä sinä, Laura?How about you, Laura?
- LauraMinäkin olen onnellinen elämääni.I am also happy with my life.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (olen, onnellinen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries onnellinen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
