Bedeutung
To go outside for a short break.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Finns value 'oma rauha' (own peace). 'Haukata ilmaa' is often a socially acceptable code for 'I need to be alone for five minutes'. Taking short breaks is encouraged for productivity. It is not seen as laziness but as 'työhyvinvointi' (work wellbeing). Between sauna rounds, it is essential to go outside (even in winter) to cool down. This is the ultimate 'haukata ilmaa' moment. Finnish schools mandate 15-minute outdoor breaks every hour. This is where children learn the phrase and the habit.
The 'Vähän' Trick
Add 'vähän' (a little) to make it sound more natural: 'Käyn vähän haukkaamassa ilmaa.'
Don't say 'Syödä'
Never use 'syödä' (to eat) with air. It sounds like you are a cartoon character.
Bedeutung
To go outside for a short break.
The 'Vähän' Trick
Add 'vähän' (a little) to make it sound more natural: 'Käyn vähän haukkaamassa ilmaa.'
Don't say 'Syödä'
Never use 'syödä' (to eat) with air. It sounds like you are a cartoon character.
Sauna Etiquette
In a sauna, saying you're going to 'haukata ilmaa' is the standard way to say you're done with the heat for now.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'haukata'.
Minä menen ulos _________ ilmaa.
After the verb 'mennä' (to go), we use the third infinitive in the illative case (-maan) to express purpose.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for a break in an office?
How do you suggest a quick air break?
'Käydäänkö' (Shall we go and visit) combined with 'haukkaamassa ilmaa' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Match the Finnish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all related ways to describe taking a refreshing break.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Täällä on tosi kuuma. B: Niin on. _________?
This is the most natural suggestion in this context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMinä menen ulos _________ ilmaa.
After the verb 'mennä' (to go), we use the third infinitive in the illative case (-maan) to express purpose.
How do you suggest a quick air break?
'Käydäänkö' (Shall we go and visit) combined with 'haukkaamassa ilmaa' is the standard idiomatic expression.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are all related ways to describe taking a refreshing break.
A: Täällä on tosi kuuma. B: Niin on. _________?
This is the most natural suggestion in this context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, many people use it as a euphemism for a cigarette break, though 'mennä tupakalle' is more direct.
Absolutely. It's a very professional way to ask for a short mental health break.
No, but Finns especially love it when the air is 'raikas' (fresh/cold).
'Ilmaa' is neutral; 'happea' is more casual and implies you are really exhausted.
Yes! 'Käyn haukkaa ilmaa, palaan 5min' is a perfect Slack or SMS message.
Verwandte Redewendungen
ottaa happea
similarTo take oxygen
tuulettua
similarTo air oneself out
käydä ulkona
synonymTo go outside
haukata tyhjää
contrastTo bite the empty
