Coordinating conjunctions (ja, mutta, tai)

Now that you know how to build simple sentences, you can start linking them together using basic conjunctions.

Ja (And)

The word ja connects words, phrases, or full sentences. When connecting individual words, place ja between them.

The man and the woman are at home.
Mies ja nainen ovat kotona.
I am hungry and tired.
Minä olen nälkäinen ja väsynyt.

When using a conjunction to connect two complete sentences (independent clauses with different subjects), Finnish punctuation requires a comma.

This is a dog, and that is a cat.
Tämä on koira, ja tuo on kissa.

Mutta (But)

The conjunction mutta introduces a contrast. Remember to use a comma when it separates two clauses.

The house is old, but it is expensive.
Talo on vanha, mutta se on kallis.
They are at home, but we are outside.
He ovat kotona, mutta me olemme ulkona.

Tai vs. Vai (Or)

Finnish has two different words for "or" depending on the sentence:

  • tai: Used in statements to present alternatives.
  • vai: Used in questions when asking someone to choose between options.

Using tai in a statement:

The cat is inside or outside.
Kissa on sisällä tai ulkona.

Using vai in a question:

Where is the man, here or there?
Missä mies on, täällä vai tuolla?
Where are you, at home or outside?
Missä te olette, kotona vai ulkona?

Koska (Because)

Use koska (because) to introduce a reason. Since it connects two clauses, always place a comma before it.

The boy is at home because he is hungry.
Poika on kotona, koska hän on nälkäinen.
The woman is happy because the new house is cheap.
Nainen on iloinen, koska uusi talo on halpa.
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