aika
/ˈɑi̯kɑ/
The English word 'time' is translated into Finnish as aika.
aika refers to a measurement of a quantity of time. Depending on the context, it can also refer to a specific era or period.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The basic form is aika. To indicate possession or to express 'of time', use the genitive form ajan. When expressing an indefinite amount of time, such as 'a lot of time', use the partitive form aikaa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɑi̯kɑ/
Did you know?
- When talking about 'the time' on a clock, Finns do not use aika, but instead use the word kello, which literally means 'bell'.
- The Finnish word aika is thought to be a very ancient loanword from Proto-Germanic, suggesting early contact between Baltic and Germanic peoples.
- In colloquial Finnish, the word aika can be used as an adverb meaning 'quite' or 'rather', such as in aika hyvä which means 'quite good'.
Examples in context
- Aika on kuin joki.Time is like a river.This sentence uses aika to create a metaphor about time.Tatoeba #6889221 by Orava, translation #6884089 by Hybrid
- Nyt on aika lähteä.It's now time to leave.This sentence uses aika to indicate the moment that it is time to depart.Tatoeba #4340665 by Orava, translation #3733597 by CK
- On kuule aika mennä!It's time to go.This sentence uses aika to express that it is time to go.Tatoeba #752931 by Silja, translation #266757 by CK
- Kello on yksiIt is one o'clock
- Kello on kolme viisiIt is three-o-five
- Kello on kaksi neljäkymmentäIt is two forty
- Kello on kahdeksantoista kolmeIt is 18:03 (6:03 PM)
- Kello on 22.15It is 22:15 (10:15 PM)
- Mitä kello on?What time is it?
- Se on kaksiIt is two o'clock
- Se on puol viisIt is half-past four (4:30)
- Onko jo viisi?Is it already five?
- On vasta kymmenenIt is only ten (o'clock)
- kolmekolmen
- Nähdään kello kaksiLet's meet at two o'clock
- Hän saapuu yhdeksältäHe/she arrives at nine o'clock
- 731 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Matti are discussing their work schedules.
- LauraMinulla ei ole nyt aikaa.I don't have time right now.
- MattiMilloin sinulla on aikaa?When do you have time?
- LauraHuomenna on parempi aika.Tomorrow is a better time.
- MattiSelvä, nähdään huomenna.Alright, see you tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries aika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aika, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
