ole hyvä ja kiitos
The phrase "please and thank you" in Finnish is ole hyvä ja kiitos.
This phrase is a polite combination used when making a request and expressing gratitude. While ole hyvä ja kiitos covers both sentiments, you can also use individual words like ole kiltti for an informal "please" or kiitti for an informal "thanks".
How does it change in a sentence?
The component ole hyvä is the singular imperative form of the verb olla (to be) and is used when addressing one person. If you are addressing more than one person or using the formal "you", this part changes to olkaa hyvä.
Did you know?
- While ole hyvä is used as 'please', it is also the standard response to kiitos, meaning 'you are welcome'.
- In Finland, the word kiitos is frequently used as a polite way to say 'no thank you' when declining an offer, often without adding the word 'no'.
- The expression ole hyvä literally translates to 'be good', treating politeness as a state of being rather than a request.
Examples in context
- Voisitko antaa minulle suolaa, ole hyvä?Could you pass me the salt, please?
- Kiitos avustasi.Thank you for your help.
- Kiitos ihanasta lahjasta.Thank you for the lovely gift.
- Kiitos paljon.Thank you very much.
- Voitko antaa minulle kirjan, ole kiltti?Can you pass me the book, please?
- Kiitti avusta.Thanks for your help.
- Kiitti kahvista.Thank you for the coffee.
Example conversation
Mikko is asking Emma to pass him a glass of water.
- MikkoVoisitko antaa minulle lasin vettä, ole hyvä ja kiitos.Could you give me a glass of water, please and thank you.
- EmmaTässä on vesi, Mikko.Here is the water, Mikko.
- MikkoKiitos paljon, Emma!Thank you very much, Emma!
- EmmaOle hyvä!You're welcome!
