Finnish is a beautiful language spoken by around 5 million people, predominantly in Finland. Whether you’re planning a trip to Finland, learning the language, or simply curious about Finnish expressions, it’s essential to understand how to express the concept of “still” in Finnish. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “still,” providing you with various tips and examples along the way.
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Formal Ways to Say “Still”
When it comes to formal situations or expressing yourself in a more polite manner, Finnish offers a range of options to convey the meaning of “still” appropriately. Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. Silti
The most straightforward and universal way to say “still” in Finnish is by using the word “silti.” This can be used across different contexts, making it a versatile option. For example:
Minä olen väsynyt, mutta teen silti töitä.
(I am tired, but I am still working.)
2. Kuitenkin
Another formal option for expressing “still” in Finnish is the word “kuitenkin.” This word is often used in more complex sentences to add emphasis or provide additional information. Consider the following example:
Lähdemme matkalle huomenna, kuitenkin sääennusteet eivät lupaa aurinkoa.
(We are leaving for a trip tomorrow, however, the weather forecast doesn’t promise sunshine.)
Informal Ways to Say “Still”
When it comes to informal conversations or speaking with friends and family, Finnish offers some casual alternatives to say “still.” Here are a few commonly used phrases:
1. Edelleen
In informal settings, “edelleen” is frequently used to express “still.” It adds a casual tone to the conversation without losing clarity. Example:
En ole vielä syönyt aamiaista, edelleen nälkäinen.
(I haven’t had breakfast yet, still hungry.)
2. Yhä
“Yhä” is another informal option that can be used interchangeably with “edelleen.” It conveys the same meaning and can be effectively used in everyday conversations. Example:
Hän on yhä sairaana, ei ole vielä toipunut.
(He is still ill, hasn’t recovered yet.)
Tips and Examples
While it’s important to know the formal and informal ways of saying “still” in Finnish, there are a few tips and additional examples that can further enhance your understanding:
1. Word Order Matters
In Finnish, the word order is quite flexible, but when using “still,” it usually comes before the verb. For instance:
Oletko edelleen kiireinen? (Are you still busy?)
He eivät silti usko minua. (They still don’t believe me.)
2. Time Expressions
You can combine expressions of time with “still” to provide additional context. Here’s an example:
Hän on asunut tässä talossa jo kymmenen vuotta, mutta silti hän ei tunne naapureitaan hyvin.
(He has lived in this house for ten years, but still, he doesn’t know his neighbors well.)
3. Negative Statements
“Still” is often used in negative statements to emphasize the continuation of a particular state or action. Consider the following:
Kurkku on kipeä edelleen. (The throat is still sore.)
Emme ole vielä päässeet perille. (We still haven’t arrived.)
4. Using “Siltä” to Express “Still Looks Like”
In some cases, you may need to express the concept of “still looks like” in Finnish. This can be done by using the word “siltä.” Here’s an example:
Hän näyttää edelleen väsyneeltä vaikka oli pitkä loma. (He still looks tired despite the long vacation.)
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to learning a new language. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrases and expressions to incorporate the word “still” effectively into your Finnish conversations. Enjoy exploring the richness of the Finnish language and have fun while expanding your vocabulary!
Happy learning!
