Signification
To snap or stop suddenly.
Contexte culturel
Finns often use 'poikki' to describe their state after a sauna session if it was particularly hot and long. It's a positive kind of exhaustion. Being 'poikki' is often seen as a sign of a hard worker. However, modern Finnish HR departments now warn against being 'poikki' too often, as it leads to burnout (loppuunpalaminen). Finnish dating is known for being low-key. 'Mennä poikki' is a very common way to announce a breakup on social media or to friends because it avoids overly emotional language. In the countryside, 'mennä poikki' is still used literally every day for fences, tools, and forest work, maintaining its original physical connection.
The Breakup Rule
When telling a story about a breakup, use 'Meillä meni poikki'. It sounds much more natural and native than 'Me erottiin'.
Not for Glass
Never use 'poikki' for a broken glass or window. Use 'rikki' or 'pirstaleina'.
Signification
To snap or stop suddenly.
The Breakup Rule
When telling a story about a breakup, use 'Meillä meni poikki'. It sounds much more natural and native than 'Me erottiin'.
Not for Glass
Never use 'poikki' for a broken glass or window. Use 'rikki' or 'pirstaleina'.
Sauna Fatigue
If someone says they are 'poikki' after sauna, they aren't complaining; they are enjoying the relaxation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'mennä poikki'.
Eilen myrskyssä sähköt ______.
The subject 'sähköt' is plural and the event happened in the past (eilen).
Which sentence means 'They broke up'?
Valitse oikea lause:
Relationships use the adessive case 'heillä' with the impersonal 'meni poikki'.
Match the meaning of 'poikki' to the situation.
Tilanne: 'Olen juossut 20 kilometriä.'
After running 20km, you are physically 'poikki' (tired).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Miksi netti ei toimi? B: Se ______ kesken päivityksen.
The connection cut out (action in the past).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Poikki vs. Rikki
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEilen myrskyssä sähköt ______.
The subject 'sähköt' is plural and the event happened in the past (eilen).
Valitse oikea lause:
Relationships use the adessive case 'heillä' with the impersonal 'meni poikki'.
Tilanne: 'Olen juossut 20 kilometriä.'
After running 20km, you are physically 'poikki' (tired).
A: Miksi netti ei toimi? B: Se ______ kesken päivityksen.
The connection cut out (action in the past).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot directly. You would say 'sydän murtui' (heart broke/fractured). 'Sydän meni poikki' sounds like a physical injury.
No, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's better to say 'Olen hyvin väsynyt' in a formal classroom setting.
'Poikki' is for snapping in two (sticks, relationships). 'Rikki' is for general breaking or malfunctioning (toys, cars, glass).
You say 'Sähköt ovat poikki' (state) or 'Sähköt menivät poikki' (event).
Yes, 'luu meni poikki' is common in casual speech, though doctors say 'murtui'.
It can be. It implies a firm, decisive end. 'Me panimme poikki' sounds like a mutual or strong decision.
Yes, 'poikki kadun' means 'across the street'.
Only if the film strip physically snaps or the stream stops. Otherwise, use 'loppua'.
Yes, for negotiations failing: 'Neuvottelut menivät poikki'.
There isn't one direct opposite, but 'alkaa' (to start) or 'korjaantua' (to be fixed) are used depending on context.
Yes, that means the internet is currently down.
It is extremely common all over Finland, including Helsinki.
Yes, 'lyijy meni poikki' is perfect.
Yes, 'poikki ja pinoon' is a common idiom for finishing tasks.
Expressions liées
panna poikki
specialized formTo intentionally end something (e.g., a relationship or a habit).
katketa
synonymTo snap or break.
mennä rikki
similarTo break (general).
erota
synonymTo divorce or separate.
olla poikki
builds onTo be exhausted.
