Bedeutung
Uncertainty.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Finns value 'asiallisuus' (matter-of-factness). Admitting you are 'epävarma' is seen as professional and honest. In American business culture, 'epävarma' might be seen as a lack of leadership, whereas in Finland it is a sign of careful thought. Directly saying you are 'epävarma' can be a way to avoid a direct 'no', which is culturally important for harmony (wa). Uncertainty is often mitigated by the phrase 'Inshallah' (God willing), whereas Finns rely on personal verification.
The 'Oon' Shortcut
In spoken Finnish, say 'Mä oon epävarma' instead of 'Minä olen epävarma'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't forget the -sta!
If you name the thing you are unsure about, you MUST add -sta or -stä to the end of that word.
Bedeutung
Uncertainty.
The 'Oon' Shortcut
In spoken Finnish, say 'Mä oon epävarma' instead of 'Minä olen epävarma'. It sounds much more natural.
Don't forget the -sta!
If you name the thing you are unsure about, you MUST add -sta or -stä to the end of that word.
Honesty is Key
Don't be afraid to use this phrase. In Finland, it's better to be unsure than to be wrong.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the word 'epävarma' and the verb 'olla'.
Minä _______ _______ tästä asiasta.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be 'olen'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'I am unsure about the weather'.
The elative case (-sta) is required after 'epävarma'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tiedätkö vastauksen? B: En, _______.
B says 'En' (No), so they are expressing uncertainty.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and can't decide what to eat.
Indecision about a choice is best expressed with 'epävarma valinnasta'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMinä _______ _______ tästä asiasta.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be 'olen'.
Choose the correct way to say 'I am unsure about the weather'.
The elative case (-sta) is required after 'epävarma'.
A: Tiedätkö vastauksen? B: En, _______.
B says 'En' (No), so they are expressing uncertainty.
You are at a restaurant and can't decide what to eat.
Indecision about a choice is best expressed with 'epävarma valinnasta'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'Hän on epävarma' means he/she is an insecure or hesitant person.
'Epävarma' is the state of mind, while 'epäröivä' describes someone who is actively hesitating to act.
No, it is usually seen as professional honesty, provided you follow it up with a plan to find out.
You say 'Olen täysin varma'.
Yes, in a sentence it functions as a predicate adjective requiring 'olla'.
Yes, 'Sää on epävarma' means the weather is unpredictable.
The opposite is 'varmuus' (certainty) or 'itsevarmuus' (self-confidence).
Yes, people often say 'paha sanoo' (hard to say) when they are unsure.
No, use 'kiikkerä' or 'huojuva' for physical objects.
Use 'Olen epävarma, onko...' or 'Olen epävarma, jos...'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
epäröidä
similarto hesitate
olla varma
contrastto be sure
epäillä
similarto doubt/suspect
olla kahden vaiheilla
idiomto be between two choices
