Significado
Low probability.
Contexto cultural
Finns are known for their realism. Using 'pieni mahdollisuus' is often a sign of honesty rather than pessimism. It's better to be realistic than to over-promise. In Finnish meetings, this phrase is a 'hedge'. It allows a speaker to mention a risk without being blamed for being too negative. Finnish sports commentators use this constantly when the national team is playing against a much stronger opponent (like in Ice Hockey). It keeps the fans engaged. On Finnish Twitter/X, you'll see this used sarcastically when something very unlikely happens, or when someone is 'delusional' about their chances.
Add 'Vielä'
Adding 'vielä' (still) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker when expressing hope: 'On vielä pieni mahdollisuus.'
Double Letters
Be careful with the spelling of 'mahdollisuus'. It has two L's and two U's. If you miss them, it changes the rhythm of the word.
Significado
Low probability.
Add 'Vielä'
Adding 'vielä' (still) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker when expressing hope: 'On vielä pieni mahdollisuus.'
Double Letters
Be careful with the spelling of 'mahdollisuus'. It has two L's and two U's. If you miss them, it changes the rhythm of the word.
The 'Että' Clause
Always use a comma before 'että' when following this phrase with a verb: 'On pieni mahdollisuus, että...'
Finnish Realism
If a Finn says 'pieni mahdollisuus', they aren't being negative; they are being precise. Don't take it as a 'no'!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to say 'There is a small chance.'
On _____ mahdollisuus.
'Pieni' means small, which is the correct adjective for a low probability.
Which sentence is correct in the negative form?
How do you say 'There isn't even a small chance'?
Negative sentences in Finnish require the partitive case (-ä and -tta).
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Voittaako Suomi Euroviisut? B: ____________________.
This is a natural way to answer a question about an unlikely but possible event.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'On pieni mahdollisuus'?
The phrase describes low but non-zero probability.
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Ayudas visuales
Formal vs Informal Chance
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosOn _____ mahdollisuus.
'Pieni' means small, which is the correct adjective for a low probability.
How do you say 'There isn't even a small chance'?
Negative sentences in Finnish require the partitive case (-ä and -tta).
A: Voittaako Suomi Euroviisut? B: ____________________.
This is a natural way to answer a question about an unlikely but possible event.
When would you say 'On pieni mahdollisuus'?
The phrase describes low but non-zero probability.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, 'vähäinen mahdollisuus' is correct and slightly more formal. In everyday speech, 'pieni' is much more common.
Mostly, yes. It covers both 'possibility' and 'opportunity'.
You say 'Ei mahdollisuutta' or more strongly 'Ei mitään mahdollisuutta'.
That is the partitive case, used in negative sentences or when the action is ongoing/incomplete.
Not directly. You wouldn't say 'Hän on pieni mahdollisuus'. You say 'Hänellä on pieni mahdollisuus' (He has a small chance).
Yes, it's very neutral and polite. It's a safe way to say 'unlikely' without being rude.
No, it is standard Finnish. For slang, you might use the word 'sauma'.
It's better to be more positive in an application, but you might use it when discussing risks in a cover letter.
It's a soft breathy sound, like the 'h' in 'hat'. Don't skip it!
You can just say 'Ehkä' (Maybe), but 'pieni mahdollisuus' is more descriptive.
No, 'mahdollinen' is an adjective (possible). You need the noun 'mahdollisuus' (possibility).
Frases relacionadas
suuri mahdollisuus
contrastHigh probability
viimeinen mahdollisuus
similarLast chance
teoreettinen mahdollisuus
specialized formTheoretical possibility
sauma
synonymA chance/seam
oljenkorsi
similarA straw (to clutch at)
ehkä
builds onMaybe
