Introduction: Why Learn Common Verbs?
Verbs are the heart of any sentence — they show what you do and what happens. If you know common verbs in Finnish, you can easily build basic sentences for daily life: like eating, going, coming, buying, and more! This guide will teach you the most useful Finnish verbs and show you how to use them in simple, real conversations.
Essential Finnish Verbs and Their English Meanings
| Finnish Verb | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| olla | to be |
| tehdä | to do, to make |
| mennä | to go |
| tulla | to come |
| syödä | to eat |
| juoda | to drink |
| ostaa | to buy |
| nukkua | to sleep |
| puhua | to speak, to talk |
| nähdä | to see |
| kuulla | to hear |
| kirjoittaa | to write |
| lukea | to read |
| opiskella | to study |
| ymmärtää | to understand |
| kävellä | to walk |
| ajaa | to drive |
| katsoa | to watch, to look |
| asua | to live (reside) |
| rakastaa | to love |
Example Sentences Using Common Verbs
- Minä olen opiskelija. – I am a student.
- Me teemme ruokaa. – We are making food.
- Hän menee kouluun. – He/She goes to school.
- Tule tänne! – Come here!
- Syön aamiaista. – I’m eating breakfast.
- Juon kahvia. – I’m drinking coffee.
- Ostan leipää kaupasta. – I buy bread from the store.
- Nukun kahdeksan tuntia. – I sleep for eight hours.
- Puhumme suomea. – We speak Finnish.
Mini Conversations with Common Verbs
Situation 1: Meeting a Friend
Friend: Hei! Minne menet?
(Hi! Where are you going?)
You: Menen kauppaan. Tarvitsen maitoa.
(I'm going to the store. I need milk.)
Situation 2: Talking about Hobbies
Friend: Mitä teet viikonloppuna?
(What are you doing on the weekend?)
You: Luemme kirjoja ja katsomme elokuvia.
(We are reading books and watching movies.)
Situation 3: Asking About Living
New Friend: Missä asut?
(Where do you live?)
You: Asun Tampereella.
(I live in Tampere.)
Practice Tip!
Choose 5 verbs each day and make a short sentence with each one.
Say the sentences aloud to practice your pronunciation.
Mix verbs with food or shopping words you learned before!
Example:
"I go to the store" = Menen kauppaan.
"I buy apples" = Ostan omenoita.
Conclusion
Learning common verbs is one of the fastest ways to speak real Finnish. Practice a little every day, use verbs in short sentences, and you’ll start building your own conversations easily!
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