varjo
/ˈʋɑrjo/
The Finnish word for shadow is varjo.
The word refers to an area protected by an obstacle.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun varjo can change its form depending on its role in a sentence. The genitive form, meaning 'of the shadow', is varjon. To say 'in the shadow', use the inessive form varjossa. When using the partitive case, the word becomes varjoa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʋɑrjo/
Did you know?
- The Finnish word varjo is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'warrior', as both stem from an ancient root meaning 'to protect' or 'to guard'.
- In Finnish, the verb varjella means 'to protect' or 'to shield'. This stems from the same root as varjo, treating a shadow as a protective barrier.
- Finnish uses the word varjo to describe not just a shadow, but also a 'shade' or 'awning' used to block the sun.
Examples in context
- Hän pelkää jopa omaa varjoaan.He is even afraid of his own shadow.This example shows how to use varjo to express being afraid of one's own shadow.Tatoeba #2748865 by Kalle63, translation #298629 by CM
- Missä on runsaasti valoa, on synkkä varjo.There is strong shadow where there is much light.This sentence illustrates the relationship between light and the existence of a varjo.Tatoeba #3890153 by Sanaseppo, translation #439168 by Scott
- Kunnia seuraa hyvettä, kuin olisi sen varjo.Glory follows virtue as if it were its shadow.This example uses varjo in a metaphorical way to describe how glory follows virtue.Tatoeba #3743506 by Sanaseppo, translation #3742176 by patgfisher
- Siellä on suuri varjo puun alla.There is a big shadow under the tree.
- Näen varjot liikkuvan seinällä varjokuvina.I see the shadows moving on the wall as silhouettes.
- Illan hämärässä varjot pitenevät.In the evening twilight, the shadows grow longer.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mikko and Sofia are walking outside on a very sunny day.
- MikkoTäällä on paljon varjoa.There is plenty of shade here.
- SofiaKyllä, täällä on paljon viileämpää.Yes, it is much cooler here.
- MikkoMennään tuon puun varjoon.Let's go into the shadow of that tree.
- SofiaHyvä idea, Sofia on jo kuuma.Good idea, Sofia is already hot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry varjo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries varjo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
