Breakdown of Voitko odottaa edes minuutin?
voida
to be able to
odottaa
to wait
minuutti
the minute
edes
even; at least
Questions & Answers about Voitko odottaa edes minuutin?
What does -ko in voitko do?
It turns the clause into a yes/no question.
- voit = you can
- voitko = can you?
In Finnish, this question ending is attached to the word being questioned, often the finite verb. So instead of English-style word order change, Finnish often uses -ko/-kö.
For example:
- Voit odottaa. = You can wait.
- Voitko odottaa? = Can you wait?
Why isn’t there a separate word for you?
Because Finnish usually drops subject pronouns when they are clear from the verb ending.
Here, voit already tells you the subject is you (singular). So sinä is not needed.
- voit = you can
- voin = I can
- voi = he/she can
You can add sinä for emphasis or contrast:
- Voitko sinä odottaa edes minuutin? = Can you wait even a minute?
Why is odottaa in the basic form?