Signification
Warning that there is very little time left.
Contexte culturel
Finns are extremely punctual. If a meeting ends at 16:00, it really ends then. Saying 'aika loppuu' is a firm social boundary. Similar to Finland, Japan values punctuality. However, in Japan, one might use more indirect language to avoid sounding too blunt, whereas Finns are direct. In American business, 'time is money'. 'Aika loppuu' translates to this urgency, but the Finnish phrase is less about profit and more about the schedule itself. German 'Pünktlichkeit' matches Finnish values. Both cultures use 'time ending' phrases as a serious warning in professional settings.
The 'Kesken' Trick
Add 'kesken' to sound more natural when you didn't finish something. 'Aika loppui kesken' is the #1 excuse for unfinished homework!
Don't say 'Minä loppuu'
Always remember that 'aika' is the subject. If you want to say you are out of time, say 'Minulta loppuu aika'.
Signification
Warning that there is very little time left.
The 'Kesken' Trick
Add 'kesken' to sound more natural when you didn't finish something. 'Aika loppui kesken' is the #1 excuse for unfinished homework!
Don't say 'Minä loppuu'
Always remember that 'aika' is the subject. If you want to say you are out of time, say 'Minulta loppuu aika'.
Directness
Don't be offended if a Finn says this to you abruptly. It's not a personal attack; it's just a factual update on the clock.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Juokse nopeasti! Aika ______!
We need the 3rd person singular present tense of 'loppua'.
Which sentence means 'Time ran out' (past tense)?
Choose the correct past tense form:
'Loppui' is the simple past (imperfekt) form.
Complete the dialogue.
Opettaja: 'Kello on kaksi. ____ ____.' Oppilas: 'Selvä, tässä on paperini.'
In an exam context, the teacher announces the end of time.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Aika loppuu kesken'?
'Kesken' implies something was interrupted or unfinished.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJuokse nopeasti! Aika ______!
We need the 3rd person singular present tense of 'loppua'.
Choose the correct past tense form:
'Loppui' is the simple past (imperfekt) form.
Opettaja: 'Kello on kaksi. ____ ____.' Oppilas: 'Selvä, tässä on paperini.'
In an exam context, the teacher announces the end of time.
When would you say 'Aika loppuu kesken'?
'Kesken' implies something was interrupted or unfinished.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! The verb 'loppua' works for any resource: 'Maito loppuu' (Milk is running out), 'Raha loppuu' (Money is running out).
'Loppuu' is happening now or in the future. 'Loppui' happened in the past.
Yes, it is neutral. It is a statement of fact. However, your tone of voice can make it sound urgent or calm.
Say 'Minulta loppuu aika' (literally: From me time ends).
Yes, that means 'Time is up' (it has already ended).
In this context, yes. As an adverb, it can mean 'quite', but not when it's the subject of a sentence.
People might say 'Aika loppu' (dropping the final 'u') in very fast, casual speech.
'Aikaa on vielä' (There is still time) or 'Aika riittää' (Time is enough).
Yes, if you are discussing a project deadline. 'Projektin aika loppui kesken.'
Because Finnish metaphors for time are based on resources being consumed, not on movement through space.
Expressions liées
Aika riittää
contrastTime is sufficient
Aika kuluu
similarTime passes
Viime tinkaan
builds onAt the last minute
Olla myöhässä
similarTo be late
