salaisuus
/ˈsɑlɑi̯suːs/
The English word 'secret' is translated into Finnish as salaisuus. Wiktionary also lists sala and salatieto.
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| salaisuus | /ˈsɑlɑi̯suːs/ |
| sala | /ˈsɑlɑ/ |
| salatieto | /ˈsɑlɑˌtie̯to/ |
The term salaisuus is used to refer to a secret. You can also use the prefix sala- in compound words to indicate that the subsequent part of the word is done or exists in secret.
Which one should you use?
Use the noun salaisuus for the secret itself, whereas the adjective salainen is used to describe a noun, such as a secret plan. The form sala- acts as a prefix in compound words.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverbial form salassa is used with verbs like pitää (to keep) to express the act of keeping something secret.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsɑlɑi̯suːs/
Did you know?
- The root of the word salaisuus is actually linked to the concept of theft. In several related Uralic languages, words containing this root refer to 'stealing' or a 'thief' rather than just 'secrecy'.
- The word salassa functions as a location, literally describing the state of being 'in secret'.
- The suffix -uus in salaisuus creates an abstract noun, similar to how English uses '-hood' in 'neighborhood' or '-ship' in 'friendship'.
Examples in context
- Se ei ole salaisuus.It's not a secret.Tatoeba #8649268 by alexvic, translation #1795651 by Spamster
- Tomilla on salainen ase.Tom has a secret weapon.Tatoeba #3208872 by Silja, translation #3091304 by Hybrid
- Miksi pidit sen salassa?Why did you keep it a secret?Tatoeba #3618067 by Silja, translation #3539434 by Hybrid
- Salainen tietoclassified information
- Luottamuksellinen asiakirjaconfidential document
- Tykkään salailustaI enjoy keeping secrets
- Menestyksen salaisuus on kova työ ja sinnikkyys.The secret to success is hard work and perseverance.
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mikko and Emma are talking about a surprise party.
- MikkoTämä on suuri salaisuus, Emma.This is a big secret, Emma.
- EmmaLupaan, etten kerro kenellekään.I promise I won't tell anyone.
- MikkoHyvä, koska haluan yllättää hänet.Good, because I want to surprise him.
- EmmaSalaisuus on nyt turvassa minulla.The secret is safe with me now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “secret” translations and entries salaisuus, sala, salatieto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sala, salaisuus, salatieto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
