Signification
Arriving after the scheduled time.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is a sign of honesty. If you are late, it is often interpreted as you not valuing the other person's time. The 'Akateeminen vartti' (Academic Quarter) means lectures start at :15. This is a unique tradition in universities. In casual parties (etkot), being 'myöhässä' is more acceptable, often expected by 15-30 minutes. Finns rely heavily on the 'Reittiopas' app. If a bus is 'myöhässä', it's usually due to heavy snow.
The 5-minute rule
In Finland, arriving 5 minutes early is considered 'on time'. Arriving exactly at the time is acceptable, but 1 minute after is 'myöhässä'.
Don't say 'Olen myöhä'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Always remember the '-ssä' ending!
Signification
Arriving after the scheduled time.
The 5-minute rule
In Finland, arriving 5 minutes early is considered 'on time'. Arriving exactly at the time is acceptable, but 1 minute after is 'myöhässä'.
Don't say 'Olen myöhä'
This is the most common beginner mistake. Always remember the '-ssä' ending!
Specify the time
Always put the amount of time before 'myöhässä' (e.g., 'viisi minuuttia myöhässä') to sound more natural.
Apologize first
If you are late, start your sentence with 'Anteeksi' (Sorry) or 'Pahoittelut' (Apologies).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Minä _______ myöhässä.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb 'olla' must be 'olen'.
Which sentence is correct for 'The bus is late'?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Myöhässä' is the correct form for being behind schedule.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Anteeksi, olen myöhässä. B: ___________
'Ei se mitään' (It's nothing/No problem) is the standard response to an apology for being late.
Match the time to the phrase.
The meeting is at 10:00. You arrive at 10:10.
Since you arrived after the scheduled time, you are 'myöhässä'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Punctuality in Finland
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMinä _______ myöhässä.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb 'olla' must be 'olen'.
Valitse oikea lause:
'Myöhässä' is the correct form for being behind schedule.
A: Anteeksi, olen myöhässä. B: ___________
'Ei se mitään' (It's nothing/No problem) is the standard response to an apology for being late.
The meeting is at 10:00. You arrive at 10:10.
Since you arrived after the scheduled time, you are 'myöhässä'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questions'Olla myöhässä' is the state (I am late). 'Myöhästyä' is the verb (I missed/became late). Use the first to describe your current situation.
Yes! You can say 'Minä olen myöhässä' and 'Juna on myöhässä'.
It is the inessive case, meaning 'in'. You are literally 'in the late'.
Olen kymmenen minuuttia myöhässä.
Generally, no. Finns value punctuality highly, especially in professional settings.
It's the 'academic quarter', a tradition where university lectures start 15 minutes past the hour.
You can say 'Olen vähän myöhässä' or 'Olen tulossa, mutta vähän myöhässä'.
No, only the verb 'olla' changes: 'Me olemme myöhässä'.
Olla ajoissa (to be on time).
Yes, 'Tehtävä on myöhässä' means the assignment is late.
Yes, 'sori' is very common in informal spoken Finnish.
Then you say 'Myöhästyin bussista'.
Expressions liées
myöhästyä
similarTo become late / to miss
ajoissa
contrastOn time / in time
viivästyä
specialized formTo be delayed
jäädä jälkeen
builds onTo fall behind
myöhään
similarLate (at night/time)
