When it comes to telling time in Finnish, it’s essential to know the basic phrases and expressions to effectively communicate time-related information. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express time in the Finnish language.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions of Time
Formal Finnish expressions for telling time are commonly used in business and formal settings. Here are the key phrases to help you navigate the formal context:
Kello on… – It is…
With this phrase, you can express the hour and minutes by following “kello on” with the numbers corresponding to the hour and minutes. For example:
- Kello on yksi – It is one o’clock
- Kello on kolme viisi – It is three-o-five
- Kello on kaksi neljäkymmentä – It is two forty
When talking about specific minutes, Finnish speakers usually divide fractions of an hour into quarters:
- Kello on seitsemän varttia yli kolme – It is seven past three (7:03)
- Kello on viisi vaille puoli kuusi – It is five to six (5:30)
Another way to express time, especially when clarity is crucial, is to use the 24-hour clock system. In formal settings, Finns often rely on the 24-hour system, and it is helpful to be familiar with it. For example:
- Kello on kahdeksantoista kolme – It is 18:03 (6:03 PM)
- Kello on 22.15 – It is 22:15 (10:15 PM)
Informal Expressions of Time
Informal Finnish expressions are commonly used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. Watch out for these phrases in less formal situations:
Mitä kello on? – What time is it?
To respond to this question informally, you can simply state the hour:
- Se on kaksi – It is two o’clock
- Se on puol viis – It is half-past four (4:30)
Informally, you can also omit the use of “kello” and directly say the time. For instance:
- Onko jo viisi? – Is it already five?
- On vasta kymmenen – It is only ten (o’clock)
Remember, in informal situations, Finns often drop the “kello” part and only state the hour.
Regional Variations
Finnish is spoken across several regions, and while most expressions of time remain the same, there can be slight variations in certain local dialects. However, for practical purposes, understanding the standard Finnish variations will be sufficient for effective communication.
Avoid getting overwhelmed by regional variations, as the standard Finnish expressions for telling time are widely understood and accepted throughout the country.
Tips and Examples
Here are a few additional tips and examples to enhance your understanding of telling time in Finnish:
- Use “kello” to specifically refer to time, but in informal contexts, it can often be omitted.
- When expressing “o’clock,” the number is used alone without “kello.” For example, “Kahdeksan” means “eight o’clock.”
- Finnish speakers often use the 24-hour clock system, especially in formal settings or written communication.
- Remember to adjust numerals for the grammatical cases. For example, “kolme” becomes “kolmen” when indicating something happening at three o’clock.
Examples:
- Nähdään kello kaksi – Let’s meet at two o’clock
- Hän saapuu yhdeksältä – He/she arrives at nine o’clock
- Keskustelu alkaa tasan seitsemältä – The discussion starts exactly at seven o’clock
Embrace these phrases and practice using them in your daily conversations to confidently tell time in Finnish!
