Signification
To start a process or project.
Contexte culturel
In Finnish work culture, 'laittaa alulle' implies that you have taken the 'initiative' (aloite). Taking initiative is highly valued and is seen as a sign of a reliable employee. Official documents often use 'panna alulle' instead of 'laittaa alulle'. This is a stylistic choice that signals authority and tradition. The concept of 'alku' (beginning) is sacred in Finnish mythology (Kalevala). Knowing the 'alku' of something gave you power over it. Initiating something correctly is still seen as a key to success.
Use it in CVs
This is a 'power verb' for Finnish resumes. Instead of saying you 'did' something, say you 'initiated' (laitoin alulle) it.
Object Case
Always put the object in the accusative (n-ending) if it's a specific project. 'Laitoin projektin alulle', NOT 'projektia'.
Signification
To start a process or project.
Use it in CVs
This is a 'power verb' for Finnish resumes. Instead of saying you 'did' something, say you 'initiated' (laitoin alulle) it.
Object Case
Always put the object in the accusative (n-ending) if it's a specific project. 'Laitoin projektin alulle', NOT 'projektia'.
Panna vs Laittaa
In some dialects, 'panna' can have a sexual connotation, but in the phrase 'panna alulle', it is perfectly safe and professional.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Meidän täytyy laittaa tämä hanke ______.
The phrase is 'laittaa alulle'. 'Alkuun' is used with 'päästä' (to get started).
Which sentence is the most natural in a business report?
How would you say 'The company started a new strategy'?
This uses the correct verb (laittaa), the correct case (alulle), and the correct object case (strategian).
Match the Finnish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These show the subtle differences between active, passive, and mechanical starting.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMeidän täytyy laittaa tämä hanke ______.
The phrase is 'laittaa alulle'. 'Alkuun' is used with 'päästä' (to get started).
How would you say 'The company started a new strategy'?
This uses the correct verb (laittaa), the correct case (alulle), and the correct object case (strategian).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These show the subtle differences between active, passive, and mechanical starting.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, 'laittaa alulle perhe' or 'lapsi' is used, but it sounds quite clinical or formal. 'Hankkia lapsia' is more common in casual speech.
It is always 'alulle' (allative). 'Alulla' (essive) would mean something is already in the state of beginning, which doesn't work with the verb 'laittaa'.
No, for a fire use 'sytyttää'. However, you can say 'tuli sai alkunsa' (the fire originated).
It is common in professional speech (meetings, news), but in very casual street Finnish, people just say 'aloittaa'.
Expressions liées
panna alulle
synonymTo initiate (more formal/older).
saada alkunsa
similarTo originate from.
käynnistää
similarTo launch or start (a machine or a big project).
panna toimeen
builds onTo implement or execute.
