Learn Hardcore Finnish: Jos muistiinpano katoaa, kalenteri muistuttaa minua silti. - If the note disappears, the calendar still reminds me.

Jos corresponds to English if and introduces a possible or hypothetical condition (for example, if the note disappears). Kun corresponds to English when and implies the event will definitely happen or refers to habitual actions (for example, when I get home every day). Use jos for uncertain situations and kun for certain or habitual ones.

Why is there a comma after katoaa?

In Finnish you place a comma between a subordinate clause and the main clause. Here Jos muistiinpano katoaa is a conditional subordinate clause, so you separate it with a comma from the main clause kalenteri muistuttaa minua silti. If the subordinate clause follows the main clause, the comma is optional but often kept for clarity.

What is muistiinpano, and why does it look like that?

Muistiinpano is a compound noun made from muistiin (into memory) + pano (putting). It literally means “putting into memory,” i.e. a note or memo. It appears in the nominative singular because it’s the subject of the verb katoaa.

Why is there no word for “the” or “a” before muistiinpano?

Finnish has no articles like “the” or “a/an.” Definiteness and indefiniteness are inferred from context rather than marked by separate words.

Why is minua in the partitive case, and what role does it play?

The verb muistuttaa (to remind) takes the person being reminded in the partitive case. Thus minua is the partitive form of minä (I) and functions as the direct object. Kalenteri muistuttaa minua literally means “the calendar reminds me.”

What does silti mean, and why is it placed at the end?

Silti is an adverb meaning still, nevertheless, or even so. In Finnish, adverbs can move around for emphasis, but placing silti at the end highlights the contrast: even if the note disappears, the calendar still reminds me.

Can I swap the two clauses (main and conditional)? If so, how does it affect punctuation?

Yes. You can say Kalenteri muistuttaa minua silti, jos muistiinpano katoaa. When the subordinate clause follows the main clause, the comma is optional but often retained for readability.

Could I use a possessive suffix on muistiinpano to say “my note”? How?

Yes. Add -ni (first-person singular) to get muistiinpanoni, which means “my note.” For example: Jos muistiinpanoni katoaa = if my note disappears.

What is the difference between katoaa and the infinitive kadota?

Kadota is the infinitive form of the verb “to disappear.” Katoaa is its present tense, third-person singular: it disappears. In this sentence muistiinpano katoaa means the note disappears.

What’s the difference between muistaa and muistuttaa?

Muistaa means to remember (e.g. muistan kokouksen = I remember the meeting). Muistuttaa is causative: to remind (e.g. kalenteri muistuttaa minua kokouksesta = the calendar reminds me of the meeting). Muistuttaa can also mean to resemble when describing similarity.