lakata
/ˈlɑkɑtɑˣ/
In Finnish, the English phrase stop can be translated as lakata or loppua depending on the context.
Meaning: not to continue (verb)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| lakata | /ˈlɑkɑtɑˣ/ |
| loppua | /ˈlopːuɑˣ/ |
The verb lakata is used to mean the cessation of an activity or a behavior.
Which one should you use?
lakata is used when referring to the cessation of an activity or a behavior. In contrast, loppua is used when something comes to an end or is exhausted, such as a movie ending or supplies running out.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
loppua is an intransitive verb, which means it describes something that stops on its own rather than someone stopping it. The verb lakata undergoes a consonant gradation change to lakkaa in certain conjugated forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɑkɑtɑˣ/
Did you know?
- The verb lakata shares a common ancestor with the English word 'slack', suggesting an ancient connection between 'stopping' and 'loosening'.
- To tell someone to 'stop' as a command, Finns often use a different word entirely, such as lopeta, which is the causative form of loppua.
- While loppua means to stop or end, it is specifically used when something is exhausted, such as when your coffee or patience runs out.
Examples in context
- En pystynyt lakata nauramasta.I couldn't stop laughing.Tatoeba #7865875 by Silja, translation #461180 by jeanne
- Milloin aiot lakata juonittelemasta?When will you stop scheming?This sentence demonstrates using lakata with a verbal noun to ask when an activity will cease.Tatoeba #10527682 by ameliette, translation #2270169 by _undertoad
- Voitko lakata nimittämästä minua noin?Can you stop calling me that?This sentence uses lakata to request the cessation of a specific behavior.Tatoeba #3214967 by Silja, translation #3133108 by Hybrid
- Lopeta riita!Stop the argument!
- Lopeta! Etkö huomaa vettä?Stop! Don't you see the water?
- Lopetetaanko jutustelu ja keskitytään asiaan?Shall we stop chatting and focus on the matter at hand?
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Juho are arguing about a loud noise.
- EmmaVoitko lakata koputtamasta pöytään?Can you stop knocking on the table?
- JuhoOlin vain innoissani.I was just excited.
- EmmaSitten sinun täytyy lakata heti.Then you have to stop immediately.
- JuhoSelvä, lopetan nyt.Fine, I'll stop now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stop” translations and entries lakata, loppua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lakata, loppua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
