Joulupukki
/ˈjou̯luˌpukːi/
The English phrase "santa" is translated into Finnish as Joulupukki.
Joulupukki refers to the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of joulu (Christmas) and pukki (billy goat).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are giving something to him, you use the allative case Joulupukille.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈjou̯luˌpukːi/
When do people say it?
The name reflects an old Finnish tradition where a person dressed as a goat would visit houses during the Yule season.
Did you know?
- In Finland, Joulupukki traditionally arrives on Christmas Eve, rather than during the night between the 24th and 25th.
- The custom of the 'Yule Goat' that gave Joulupukki its name was once a way for young people to go door-to-door in costume to collect treats.
- Before the modern Santa Claus influence arrived, the 'goat' was a much more imposing and sometimes even frightening figure who visited homes during the Yule season.
Examples in context
- Joulupukki ei ole myynnissä.Santa Claus is not for sale.Tatoeba #8652302 by Thanuir, translation #2239920 by Tximist
- Mun poika uskoo Joulupukkiin.My son believes in Santa Claus.Tatoeba #5029797 by Orava, translation #1344019 by Chrikaru
- Uskoitko Joulupukkiin, kun olit lapsi?Did you believe in Santa Claus when you were a child?Tatoeba #6477265 by Orava, translation #5705378 by CK
- Kysytään Joulupukilta paljon lahjoja tänä jouluna.Let's ask Santa Claus for a lot of gifts this Christmas.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Mikko are watching a Christmas movie together.
- AnnaTuleeko Joulupukki pian?Is Santa coming soon?
- MikkoJoulupukki tulee aina jouluaattona.Santa always comes on Christmas Eve.
- AnnaOnko Joulupukki ystävällinen mies?Is Santa a kind man?
- MikkoKyllä, hän on todella kiltti.Yes, he is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry joulupukki.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
