Learn Hardcore Finnish: Verkkokaupan palvelu on nopea, joten tilaus saapuu huomenna. - The online store's service is fast, so the order arrives tomorrow.

Because Finnish expresses possession by putting the possessor in the genitive. Verkkokaupan (“of the online store”) modifies palvelu (“service”), so together they mean “the online store’s service.” The base form is verkkokauppa, and its genitive singular is verkkokaupan.

Why aren’t there any articles like “the” or “a” in the sentence?

Finnish doesn’t use definite or indefinite articles. Context and word order convey whether something is specific or general. So palvelu on nopea can mean “the service is fast” or “a service is fast” depending on context, without adding words for “the” or “a.”

Why is nopea used instead of the adverb nopeasti?

Nopea is an adjective modifying the noun palvelu (“service”). You use an adjective when describing a noun’s quality: “a fast service.” Nopeasti is an adverb, which would modify a verb (e.g. palvelu toimii nopeasti, “the service operates quickly”). Here we’re simply stating a quality, so we use nopea.

How does the present tense saapuu mean “will arrive tomorrow”?

In Finnish, the present tense form can refer to future events, especially when a time expression like huomenna (“tomorrow”) is present. So tilaus saapuu huomenna literally reads “the order arrives tomorrow,” even though it’s talking about a future arrival.

What’s the difference between saapua and tulla?

Both can translate as “come” or “arrive,” but saapua specifically means “to arrive” (often used for mail, shipments, trains, etc.) and sounds a bit more formal. Tulla is more general (“to come”) and can be used in many contexts beyond arrivals.

What role does joten play in this sentence?

Joten is a coordinating conjunction meaning “so” or “therefore.” It links two independent clauses:

Verkkokaupan palvelu on nopea.
Tilaus saapuu huomenna.
Together with joten, it means “...so the order arrives tomorrow.”

Is the comma before joten necessary?

Yes. In Finnish, you normally place a comma between two independent clauses joined by conjunctions like ja (and), mutta (but), sillä (for), joten (so), etc.

Could I say palvelu toimii nopeasti instead of palvelu on nopea?

Absolutely. Palvelu on nopea emphasizes that “the service is fast” as a quality. Palvelu toimii nopeasti means “the service operates quickly,” focusing on how it works. Both are correct; they just highlight different aspects.