Signification
Assisting someone close to you.
Contexte culturel
The 'Talkoot' tradition is the backbone of this phrase. It refers to a gathering of friends and neighbors to perform a task together, followed by a meal. In modern cities, 'auttaa ystävää' often refers to 'muuttoapu' (moving help), which is almost a rite of passage for young adults. Finns use the hashtag #autetaanyhdessä (let's help together) to signal communal support for friends or causes. While Finns are independent, 'auttaa kaveria' (helping a colleague/buddy) is highly valued in team settings to ensure no one is left behind.
The Partitive Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember 'auttaa' + Partitive. It's the most common grammar test question!
Don't say 'ystävälle'
Even though you help 'to' a friend in English, Finnish doesn't use the -lle ending here.
Signification
Assisting someone close to you.
The Partitive Rule
If you remember nothing else, remember 'auttaa' + Partitive. It's the most common grammar test question!
Don't say 'ystävälle'
Even though you help 'to' a friend in English, Finnish doesn't use the -lle ending here.
Use 'jeesata' with friends
If you want to sound like a local in Helsinki, use 'jeesata' instead of 'auttaa' in casual settings.
Offer, don't wait
Finns might not ask for help, so saying 'Voinko auttaa?' is always appreciated.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'ystävä'.
Minä haluan auttaa ______.
The verb 'auttaa' requires the partitive case.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct translation for 'I helped a friend yesterday'.
'Autoin' is the past tense (imperfect) and 'ystävää' is the correct partitive form.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Oletko kiireinen?' B: 'Olen vähän, minun täytyy ______.'
The phrase 'minun täytyy' (I must) is followed by the basic form of the verb.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Your friend is carrying heavy bags. What do you say?
This is a polite way to offer help in a friendly context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Auttaa vs. Jeesata
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMinä haluan auttaa ______.
The verb 'auttaa' requires the partitive case.
Choose the correct translation for 'I helped a friend yesterday'.
'Autoin' is the past tense (imperfect) and 'ystävää' is the correct partitive form.
A: 'Oletko kiireinen?' B: 'Olen vähän, minun täytyy ______.'
The phrase 'minun täytyy' (I must) is followed by the basic form of the verb.
Your friend is carrying heavy bags. What do you say?
This is a polite way to offer help in a friendly context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but you would say 'auttaa tuntematonta' or 'auttaa ihmistä'. 'Ystävää' specifically implies a friend.
Because 'auttaa' is an irresultative verb; the action doesn't have a definitive 'finished' state for the object.
'Kaveri' is more casual. Use 'ystävä' for someone you are very close to.
You say 'Tarvitsen apua'. Note that 'apu' is the noun form.
Yes! Adding the possessive suffix '-ni' (my friend) makes it sound more personal and natural.
Yes, 'auttaa koiraa' (help a dog) is perfectly fine.
The opposite would be 'haitata' (to hinder) or 'vastustaa' (to oppose).
Yes, 99% of the time. It is one of the most consistent partitive verbs.
Yes, 'Voisitteko auttaa...' is a standard way to start a request.
It means 'a helping hand', a common metaphor in Finnish too.
Expressions liées
tehdä palvelus
similarto do a favor
tukea ystävää
builds onto support a friend
olla avuksi
synonymto be of help
pelastaa ystävä
specialized formto save a friend
jeesata kaveria
similarto help a buddy
