Learn Hardcore Finnish: Kaikki on valmista.

Breakdown of Kaikki on valmista.

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Why is the verb singular on instead of plural ovat with kaikki?

Here kaikki means “everything” (a mass-like total), which is grammatically singular, so the verb is on.
When kaikki means “all people/things” (countable individuals), it’s plural and takes ovat: Kaikki ovat valmiit.

Why is valmista used instead of valmis?

valmista is the partitive singular of valmis. After olla, Finnish often uses a partitive predicative when the subject is viewed as an unbounded mass or an indefinite total.
Here kaikki is understood as “everything,” so the predicate is partitive: valmista.
Compare:
- Ruoka on valmista. (food as an uncountable whole)
- Annos on valmis. (a specific portion as a single item)

Could I say Kaikki on valmis?

Not in standard usage. With the “everything” reading, Finns almost always use partitive: Kaikki on valmista.
If you forced kaikki to mean a single delimited whole, nominative valmis could appear, but it sounds unnatural. Prefer valmista (or valmiina; see below).

When do I use Kaikki ovat valmiit instead?

Use it when kaikki refers to several people or discrete items, each ready.
Typical contexts: a team is ready; multiple devices are prepared: Kaikki (pelaajat/laitteet) ovat valmiit.

Is Kaikki ovat valmista grammatical?

No. It mixes a plural verb (ovat) with a singular mass predicate (valmista). Use either Kaikki on valmista (mass “everything”) or Kaikki ovat valmiit/valmiina (plural individuals).

What’s the difference between valmis and valmiina here?

valmis (adjective): “ready/finished” as a completed result.
valmiina (essive): “in a ready state/position,” often about things or people set up and waiting.
Nuance:
- Kaikki on valmista. = the work/tasks are finished.
- Kaikki on valmiina. = everything is set up and standing by.

Should I use plural valmiit or partitive plural valmiita with ovat?

With countable individuals, both occur; the safest neutral choice is nominative plural: Kaikki ovat valmiit.
Partitive plural valmiita is also common, especially when emphasizing a state rather than a fully delimited set: Kaikki ovat valmiita.
With kaikki (meaning the complete set), many speakers prefer valmiit.

What exactly is the form valmista, and how does valmis inflect in common patterns?

Is kaikki singular or plural here, and how does it decline?

Here it functions as “everything” (singular-like). Singular oblique forms: genitive kaiken, partitive kaikkea, illative kaikkeen, etc.
With the “all/everyone” meaning (plural individuals), you get plural oblique forms: genitive kaikkien, partitive kaikkia, illative kaikkiin, etc.

Can I drop on and just say Kaikki valmista!?

In headlines, checklists, or excited announcements, Finns often omit on: Kaikki valmista!
In normal sentences, include the verb: Kaikki on valmista.

Is the word order fixed? Could I say Valmista on kaikki?

Word order is flexible. Valmista on kaikki is grammatical but marked; it emphasizes/contrasts the predicate valmista. The neutral order is Kaikki on valmista.

How do I say the negative versions: “Not everything is ready” vs. “Not everyone is ready”?

Can I use koko instead of kaikki?

koko = “whole/entire” and modifies a singular noun: Koko projekti on valmis.
kaikki = “all/every” or “everything”: Kaikki on valmista (no noun) or Kaikki projektit ovat valmiit (plural noun).

Are there near-synonymous ways to express the same idea?

Any pronunciation tips?

Stress the first syllable of each word.
kaikki has a long geminate kk: say it as two k’s (KAIK-ki).
The diphthong ai is one glide (not “kaa-”).
valmista is three short syllables: VAL-mis-ta; Finnish v is soft (between English v and w).

Is the sentence formal or informal?

Neutral. It works in everyday speech and in formal contexts. With an exclamation mark (Kaikki on valmista!), it sounds like an announcement.