Breakdown of Matematiikka on helppoa, kun osaat yhteenlaskun.
olla
to be
helppo
easy
osata
to know how to
kun
when (conjunction)
matematiikka
mathematics
yhteenlasku
addition
Questions & Answers about Matematiikka on helppoa, kun osaat yhteenlaskun.
Why is the adjective in the partitive case (helppoa) instead of just helppo?
In Finnish, when you use the verb olla (to be) to describe an abstract concept or an uncountable noun like matematiikka (mathematics), the describing adjective must be in the partitive case. Because mathematics isn't a single, physical object you can count, it takes the partitive helppoa.
Why use osaat for "you know" instead of tiedät?
Finnish makes a strict distinction between different ways of knowing. You use tietää for knowing facts or pieces of information. However, osata is used for knowing how to do something, such as possessing a skill, speaking a language, or mastering a subject. Since addition is a practical skill you learn to do, osata is the correct verb.
What are the parts of the compound word yhteenlasku?
It is made up of yhteen (together) and lasku (calculation, count, or bill). Literally translated, it means "together-calculation," which is exactly what addition is!
Why does the object yhteenlaskun end in -n rather than being in the partitive case?
It is a total object. In an affirmative sentence where the action is complete or encompasses the whole thing, the direct object takes the genitive-like -n ending. This implies you know the whole skill of addition. If the sentence were negative (you don't know addition), the object would switch to the partitive case: et osaa yhteenlaskua.
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