Bedeutung
Being in a very big hurry.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Finns are known for being direct. Saying 'Minulla on kova kiire' is not considered rude; it is seen as an honest explanation of your current state. In Finnish offices, 'kova kiire' is often seasonal, peaking before Midsummer (Juhannus) and Christmas, when everyone tries to finish their tasks. If you are late in Finland, you are expected to apologize and explain. 'Kova kiire' is a valid part of that explanation if the lateness was due to a previous commitment running over. In Helsinki, 'kova kiire' is a common complaint. In Northern Finland, the pace is slower, and the phrase might be used more sparingly or even ironically.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember: Minulla on (I have). If you say 'Minä olen kova kiire', you are saying 'I am a hard hurry', which sounds like you are a superhero named Hard Hurry.
Don't over-intensify
If you say 'Minulla on kova kiire' for something small, people might think you are stressed. Use just 'kiire' for minor things.
Bedeutung
Being in a very big hurry.
The 'Have' Rule
Always remember: Minulla on (I have). If you say 'Minä olen kova kiire', you are saying 'I am a hard hurry', which sounds like you are a superhero named Hard Hurry.
Don't over-intensify
If you say 'Minulla on kova kiire' for something small, people might think you are stressed. Use just 'kiire' for minor things.
The 'Kova' Multiplier
You can use 'kova' for many things: kova nälkä (big hunger), kova jano (big thirst), kova pakkanen (hard frost). It's a Swiss Army knife adjective!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am in a big hurry.'
Minulla on ____ kiire.
'Kova' is the standard intensifier for 'kiire'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'Are you in a hurry?'
Finnish uses the 'Onko [person]-lla' structure for 'Does [person] have'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mennäänkö kahville? B: En ehdi, minulla on ____ ____.
The context 'En ehdi' (I don't have time) requires 'kova kiire'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are running to catch a train that leaves in 2 minutes.
Urgency regarding time is 'kiire'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMinulla on ____ kiire.
'Kova' is the standard intensifier for 'kiire'.
How do you say 'Are you in a hurry?'
Finnish uses the 'Onko [person]-lla' structure for 'Does [person] have'.
A: Mennäänkö kahville? B: En ehdi, minulla on ____ ____.
The context 'En ehdi' (I don't have time) requires 'kova kiire'.
You are running to catch a train that leaves in 2 minutes.
Urgency regarding time is 'kiire'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but it sounds more formal or literary. 'Kova kiire' is what you'll hear on the street.
Yes, it's a neutral and honest way to explain why you can't talk or why you're moving fast.
You could say 'ei ole kiire' (no hurry) or 'rauhallista' (peaceful/calm).
Use 'vähän kiire': 'Minulla on vähän kiire.'
Literally yes, but as an intensifier, it means 'very' or 'intense'.
Yes, e.g., 'Anteeksi viivästys, meillä on ollut kova kiire.' (Sorry for the delay, we've been very busy.)
It's 'kova' (singular) because 'kiire' is singular. If you had multiple hurries (rare), it would be 'kovat kiireet'.
'Hoppu' is a more informal, slightly old-fashioned word for hurry. 'Kova hoppu' is also possible but less common.
Yes, it means 'I'm in a big hurry to get to your place.'
You can! Using the partitive 'kiirettä' makes it sound more like an ongoing, slightly more abstract state of busyness.
Verwandte Redewendungen
kiirehtiä
builds onTo hurry (verb)
viime tinkaan
similarAt the last minute
ajanpuute
similarLack of time
kiireestä kantapäähän
contrastFrom head to toe
