lepää rauhassa
lepää rauhassa is the Finnish way to say rest in peace.
This phrase is used as a solemn wish or blessing for a deceased person, similar to the English 'RIP'.
Meaning: blessing or expression of hope (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb lepää (rest) and the adverb rauhassa (in peace).
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to multiple people resting in peace, the verb changes to the third-person plural form lepäävät.
Did you know?
- While lepää rauhassa is a direct translation, Finns often use the phrase nukkukoon rauhassa which literally means 'let them sleep in peace'.
- In traditional Finnish culture, the concept of 'peace' rauha was historically tied to the protection of the home and the hearth, not just the absence of war.
- The grammar of rauhassa uses the inessive case, which literally places the person inside the peace, rather than just in a peaceful state.
Examples in context
- Lepää rauhassa.Rest in peace.This example shows how to use the phrase lepää rauhassa.Tatoeba #11633475 by Johannes_S, translation #692884 by CM
- Lepää rauhassa, rakas isoäitini.Rest in peace, my dear grandmother.
- Hän lepää rauhassa nyt.He is resting in peace now.
Example conversation
Anna and Juho are visiting a grave.
- AnnaHän lepää rauhassa täällä.He is resting in peace here.
- JuhoHän oli todella hyvä ihminen.He was a truly good person.
- AnnaMuistamme häntä aina.We will always remember him.
- JuhoLepää rauhassa, ystäväni.Rest in peace, my friend.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
