Word
Älä itke!
Meaning
Don't cry!
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
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Questions & Answers about Älä itke!
Why is the word for "don't" älä instead of the normal negative word ei?
In Finnish, the negative word "no" or "not" is actually a verb. When you give a command to one person, you must use the special imperative (command) form of the negative verb, which is älä. You cannot use ei for commands!
How do we get the form itke from the dictionary verb itkeä (to cry)?
itkeä is a Type 1 verb. To find the command form for one person, you take the "I" form of the verb (itken, I cry) and drop the -n at the end. That leaves you with the command form itke.
Does the verb itke change if it is a negative command instead of an affirmative one?
No! The main verb looks exactly the same in both. "Cry!" is Itke! and "Don't cry!" is Älä itke!. You just put Älä in front to make it negative.
Do I need to include the word sinä (you) in this sentence?
You do not need it. Just like in English, commands usually drop the word "you". The word älä already has "you (singular)" built into it, so it is clear who you are talking to.