Signification
To go beyond something.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'järkevyys' (reasonableness). If something 'menee yli', it is often seen as a lack of self-control or common sense. In Finnish meetings, 'mennä yli' regarding time is considered quite rude, as punctuality is highly valued. Crossing water or ice ('mennä jään yli') is a common physical reality in Finland, leading to many safety warnings using this phrase. Younger Finns use 'mennä yli' to describe 'cringe' content or someone being 'extra' on TikTok or Instagram.
The Genitive Rule
Always check if the word before 'yli' ends in 'n'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Emotional Trap
Don't use 'mennä yli' for breakups! You'll sound like you're literally walking on your ex's feelings.
Signification
To go beyond something.
The Genitive Rule
Always check if the word before 'yli' ends in 'n'. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Emotional Trap
Don't use 'mennä yli' for breakups! You'll sound like you're literally walking on your ex's feelings.
Social Softener
Add 'vähän' (a little) to make your critique sound more polite: 'Se meni vähän yli'.
Modesty Matters
In Finland, 'mennä yli' is a powerful social tool to maintain the cultural value of moderation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Meidän täytyy mennä ______ (tie) yli.
The object of 'yli' must be in the genitive case.
Which sentence describes a budget being exceeded?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Budjetin yli' specifically refers to financial excess.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Oliko eilinen vitsini huono?' B: 'No, se ______.'
'Meni vähän yli' is the standard way to say a joke was too much.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Tilanne: Aika loppui kesken kokouksen.
'Ajan yli' means to go over time.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mennä Yli vs. Päästä Yli
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMeidän täytyy mennä ______ (tie) yli.
The object of 'yli' must be in the genitive case.
Valitse oikea lause:
'Budjetin yli' specifically refers to financial excess.
A: 'Oliko eilinen vitsini huono?' B: 'No, se ______.'
'Meni vähän yli' is the standard way to say a joke was too much.
Tilanne: Aika loppui kesken kokouksen.
'Ajan yli' means to go over time.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a business meeting. For very formal documents, use 'ylittää'.
No, for height, use 'olla yli' (to be over). 'Hän on yli 180 cm pitkä'.
'Ylittää' is a single verb and slightly more formal. 'Mennä yli' is more common in spoken language.
You say 'mennä rajan yli'.
Yes, 'Päiväys meni jo yli' means the date has passed.
No, for exams use 'päästä läpi' (to get through).
Yes, if a ball goes over the goal or the line.
Yes, that means 'to go overboard' literally from a boat.
It takes the genitive case (the -n ending).
Not always, but in social contexts, it usually implies something was 'too much'.
Yes, 'mennä rajan yli' is very common.
You say 'se meni yli hilseen' (idiom) or 'se meni yli ymmärryksen'.
Expressions liées
ylittää
synonymTo cross or exceed
mennä liian pitkälle
similarTo go too far
päästä yli
contrastTo get over something
mennä ohi
similarTo go past
vetää överit
specialized formTo overdo it (slang)
