Significado
To finish one's standard work duties.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the 'Lutheran work ethic' where work is seen as a moral duty. Doing one's 'päivätyö' is a sign of being a 'kunnon kansalainen' (a proper citizen). Refers back to the 'dagsverke' system common in Sweden and Finland, where labor was a form of currency. Finns value 'work-life balance.' Once the 'päivätyö' is done, it is culturally expected that you stop working and focus on family or leisure. Often used in a poetic sense to describe the end of a hard life, especially in stories about the working class.
The Suffix is Key
If you forget the possessive suffix, you sound like a robot. Always match it to the person!
Modesty Matters
Finns don't usually brag. Saying 'Tein vain päivätyöni' (I just did my day-work) is a common way to be humble after a success.
Significado
To finish one's standard work duties.
The Suffix is Key
If you forget the possessive suffix, you sound like a robot. Always match it to the person!
Modesty Matters
Finns don't usually brag. Saying 'Tein vain päivätyöni' (I just did my day-work) is a common way to be humble after a success.
Don't use for hobbies
Unless you're joking, don't use this for things you do for fun. It implies duty.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for 'päivätyö'.
Minä olen väsynyt, koska tein tänään raskaan päivätyö___.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone retired?
Miten sanot, että joku on lopettanut pitkän uran?
In this context, 'tehdä päivätyönsä' refers to a life's contribution.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Lähdetäänkö kahville?' B: 'En ehdi vielä, minun täytyy ensin _______.'
Speaker B is talking about their own work, so 'päivätyöni' is correct.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Milloin sanot 'Päivätyö on tehty'?
The phrase signifies completion of the day's duties.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Tehdä päivätyönsä'
Daily
- • Office work
- • Manual labor
- • Chores
Career
- • Retirement
- • Long projects
- • Legacy
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMinä olen väsynyt, koska tein tänään raskaan päivätyö___.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Miten sanot, että joku on lopettanut pitkän uran?
In this context, 'tehdä päivätyönsä' refers to a life's contribution.
A: 'Lähdetäänkö kahville?' B: 'En ehdi vielä, minun täytyy ensin _______.'
Speaker B is talking about their own work, so 'päivätyöni' is correct.
Milloin sanot 'Päivätyö on tehty'?
The phrase signifies completion of the day's duties.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasYes, but it sounds a bit formal. 'Sain läksyt tehtyä' is more common for students.
Yes, it can mean a day job (as opposed to a night job or a hobby), but in this phrase, it specifically means the tasks of the day.
The 'nsä' suffix is used for both 'his' and 'her' and 'their'. Finnish doesn't have gendered pronouns.
Very often, especially when reporting on politicians or public figures retiring.
Technically yes, if you work at night, but it's much less common as a fixed idiom.
Frases relacionadas
tehdä ylitöitä
contrastTo work overtime.
saada valmiiksi
similarTo get something finished.
elämäntyö
builds onLife's work.
virka-aika
specialized formOfficial office hours.
