Significado
Something is very expensive.
Contexto cultural
Finns value modesty and often complain about high prices as a way to show they are sensible with money. Using 'maksaa maltaita' is a socially acceptable way to express that you aren't a spendthrift. The phrase reflects the historical importance of 'sahti' (traditional ale). Malts were so central to life that they were a standard of value, much like gold in other cultures. In modern Finland, this phrase is frequently seen in tabloid headlines (Iltalehti, Ilta-Sanomat) to grab attention regarding price hikes in electricity or food. On Finnish discussion forums like Vauva.fi or Ylilauta, 'maksaa maltaita' is used to criticize government taxes or the high cost of hobbies for children.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains about a bill, saying 'Se maksaa maltaita' shows you understand their pain.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if you are talking about many expensive things, 'maltaita' stays the same. Don't try to change it.
Significado
Something is very expensive.
Use it for empathy
When a friend complains about a bill, saying 'Se maksaa maltaita' shows you understand their pain.
Don't over-pluralize
Even if you are talking about many expensive things, 'maltaita' stays the same. Don't try to change it.
The 'Mansikka' swap
Switch to 'maksaa mansikoita' in the summer to sound extra native and seasonal!
Sarcasm alert
Finns love sarcasm. If someone buys a tiny, cheap candy and says 'Tämä maksoi maltaita', they are joking about how cheap it was.
Ponte a prueba
Täytä puuttuva sana oikeassa muodossa.
Uusi asunto Helsingissä maksaa ______.
Idiomissa käytetään aina partitiivin monikkoa 'maltaita'.
Mikä lause on oikein?
Valitse luonnollisin tapa sanoa, että jokin on kallis.
Idiomia voi käyttää mistä tahansa, jonka hinta tuntuu puhujasta liian korkealta.
Täytä dialogi.
A: 'Ostinko tämän takin?' B: 'En tiedä, se ______.'
Verb 'maksaa' + 'maltaita' on oikea rakenne.
Missä tilanteessa käyttäisit tätä ilmaisua?
Näet hienon auton, joka maksaa 200 000 euroa.
200 000 euroa on erittäin suuri summa autosta.
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Ayudas visuales
Cost Idioms Across Languages
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosUusi asunto Helsingissä maksaa ______.
Idiomissa käytetään aina partitiivin monikkoa 'maltaita'.
Valitse luonnollisin tapa sanoa, että jokin on kallis.
Idiomia voi käyttää mistä tahansa, jonka hinta tuntuu puhujasta liian korkealta.
A: 'Ostinko tämän takin?' B: 'En tiedä, se ______.'
Verb 'maksaa' + 'maltaita' on oikea rakenne.
Näet hienon auton, joka maksaa 200 000 euroa.
200 000 euroa on erittäin suuri summa autosta.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNo, you cannot say a person 'maksaa maltaita' unless you are literally buying them (which is not a common conversation!). Use it for objects, services, or events.
Not at all. It's a very standard, slightly colorful way to describe high prices. It's much more polite than using slang words for 'expensive'.
There is no real difference in meaning. 'Maltaita' (malts) is older and more traditional, while 'mansikoita' (strawberries) is a bit more modern and lighthearted.
It's neutral-informal. You can use it with your boss in a casual chat, but maybe not in a formal written contract.
Use 'maksoi'. For example: 'Se maksoi maltaita' (It cost a fortune).
No, that's redundant. 'Maksaa maltaita' already implies 'a lot'. Just say 'maksaa maltaita'.
Yes, in 99% of cases, it refers to a monetary price. For non-monetary costs, use 'käydä kalliiksi'.
Yes, it's used all over Finland, from Helsinki to Lapland.
No, unless you are being sarcastic because the 'discount' price is still too high.
It means 'malt', which is grain (usually barley) that has been soaked and dried for brewing beer.
Not really, but you can just say 'Kallista!' (Expensive!) if you are in a hurry.
Only if you are talking about the high cost of living in a new city, but keep it professional.
Frases relacionadas
maksaa mansikoita
synonymTo cost a lot of money.
maksaa omaisuuden
synonymTo cost a fortune.
käydä kalliiksi
similarTo turn out to be expensive.
suolainen hinta
similarA salty price.
riisto hinta
contrastRip-off price.
