Signification
Helping someone with a task.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Talkoot' is the cultural backbone of this phrase. It's unwritten law that if a neighbor is doing a big job, you offer a hand. In Finnish offices, hierarchy is flat. Even a boss might 'antaa käsi' for a simple task like moving chairs. Finns are often shy to ask for help. Offering 'antaa käsi' before they ask is considered very polite and observant. In cities, 'antaa käsi' is common in apartment building 'pihatalkoot' (yard work days).
Use the Imperative
In casual situations, just say 'Anna käsi!' if you need immediate help.
The Handshake Trap
Remember that 'antaa kättä' is 90% of the time a handshake. Use 'antaa käsi' or 'auttaa' to be safe.
Signification
Helping someone with a task.
Use the Imperative
In casual situations, just say 'Anna käsi!' if you need immediate help.
The Handshake Trap
Remember that 'antaa kättä' is 90% of the time a handshake. Use 'antaa käsi' or 'auttaa' to be safe.
Add 'Auttava'
Adding the adjective 'auttava' (helping) makes your intention 100% clear and sounds very native.
Don't Over-thank
In Finland, a quick 'kiitos' is better than a long speech after someone gives you a hand.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
Voitko ___ minulle käden tämän laatikon kanssa?
The idiom is 'antaa käsi'.
Which situation is best for 'antaa käsi'?
Valitse paras tilanne:
'Antaa käsi' is used for helping with tasks like moving.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tarvitsen apua! B: Selvä, minä ___ ___ käden.
You give (annan) to the person (sinulle) a hand.
Which sentence means 'I helped my neighbor'?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Annoin naapurille käden' means you helped them. 'Kättelin' means you shook hands.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Käsi vs. Kättä
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVoitko ___ minulle käden tämän laatikon kanssa?
The idiom is 'antaa käsi'.
Valitse paras tilanne:
'Antaa käsi' is used for helping with tasks like moving.
A: Tarvitsen apua! B: Selvä, minä ___ ___ käden.
You give (annan) to the person (sinulle) a hand.
Valitse oikea lause:
'Annoin naapurille käden' means you helped them. 'Kättelin' means you shook hands.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with friends or colleagues. For very formal settings, use 'ojentaa auttava käsi'.
No, use 'antaa lainaa' or 'auttaa taloudellisesti'.
'Käsi' is the basic form, 'kättä' is partitive. In many idioms, partitive is used for ongoing or indefinite action.
Yes, you might text a friend: 'Viititkö tulla antaa kättä?' (Can you come give a hand?)
Exactly the same. It's a perfect 1:1 translation in meaning.
No, that doesn't mean anything in Finnish. Only hands help!
Me annamme. 'Me annamme sinulle käden.'
Yes, for teamwork. 'Tiimi antoi käden projektissa.'
Use the verb 'kätellä'.
Yes, many Finnish pop and folk songs use it to mean support and love.
Yes, like holding a door or picking up a dropped item.
Yes, it's polite and shows you are a team player.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'kieltäytyä auttamasta' (refuse to help) works.
Not at all. It's used every day by all ages.
Expressions liées
auttaa
synonymTo help
ojentaa auttava käsi
specialized formTo extend a helping hand
kätellä
contrastTo shake hands
olla avuksi
similarTo be of assistance
jeesata
synonymTo help (slang)
