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Questions & Answers about Kahvi on valmis.
Why is there no word for the in the sentence Kahvi on valmis?
Finnish does not use indefinite (a) or definite (the) articles. Instead, it relies on context, word order, and case endings to convey meaning. So when you see Kahvi on valmis, it literally translates to Coffee is ready, without the need for a separate word for the.
What does on mean in Kahvi on valmis?
On is the third-person singular form of the Finnish verb olla, which means to be. In this context, on directly corresponds to is in English, so Kahvi on valmis translates to The coffee is ready.
Why is the adjective valmis not changing its form?
In Finnish, adjectives agree in case and number with the nouns they modify, but for a basic statement in the nominative singular (like Kahvi on valmis), the adjective’s form remains the same as the dictionary form. If you were talking about multiple coffees, you might need a plural form, like Kahvit ovat valmiit (The coffees are ready).
Can I say Kahvi on valmiina instead of Kahvi on valmis?
Kahvi on valmis is the most straightforward way to say The coffee is ready. However, Kahvi on valmiina can be used in some contexts; it implies the coffee is in a “state of readiness,” often emphasizing location or position. If you want to sound natural in everyday speech, Kahvi on valmis is perfectly fine.
How do I pronounce Kahvi on valmis naturally?
• Kah-vi: The a is short, somewhat akin to the a in “father.” The h is fully pronounced (like in “house”), and the v is pronounced as in “very.”
• on: Pronounced like “own” but shorter.
• val-mis: val as in “valet” without the et, and mis like “miss.” Each syllable is pronounced clearly, and Finnish stress is usually on the first syllable of each word.
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