Signification
Everything is understood.
Contexte culturel
In Finnish offices, 'selvä juttu' is the sound of efficiency. It signals that no further explanation is needed and the person is ready to work. Younger generations in Helsinki might shorten it even further to 'selvä' or use the 'stadi' slang version 'setti selvä'. In Northern or Eastern Finland, you might hear 'selvä pyy' more often, reflecting a closer connection to nature and traditional idioms. In Finnish WhatsApp groups, 'Selvä juttu' is often replaced by the 'OK' emoji or the 'thumbs up' emoji, showing its purely functional role.
The 'Nod' Factor
When saying 'Selvä juttu', a single firm nod of the head makes you look 100% more like a native Finn.
Don't Overuse
If you say it after every single sentence someone says, you might sound like you're not really listening or just want the conversation to end.
Signification
Everything is understood.
The 'Nod' Factor
When saying 'Selvä juttu', a single firm nod of the head makes you look 100% more like a native Finn.
Don't Overuse
If you say it after every single sentence someone says, you might sound like you're not really listening or just want the conversation to end.
The Silent Agreement
Sometimes Finns just say 'Selvä' or even just grunt 'Mmm'. 'Selvä juttu' is the polite, fully-formed version of this instinct.
Texting Shortcut
In very casual texts, you can just write 'sj' or 'selvis', though 'selvä juttu' is already quite short.
Teste-toi
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Voidaanko siirtää tapaaminen huomiseen? B: ________, sopii hyvin.
'Selvä juttu' is the standard way to agree to a change of plans.
In which situation is 'selvä juttu' INAPPROPRIATE?
Choose the context where you should NOT use the phrase.
The phrase is too casual and 'factual' for emotional support.
Fill in the missing word to complete the common variation.
Se on ihan ______ juttu, että me tarvitaan uusi auto.
'Selvä' is the only adjective that fits this idiomatic structure.
Which sentence uses the phrase to mean 'It's obvious'?
Select the correct usage.
Here, the phrase acts as a predicative describing a self-evident fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Selvä Juttu vs. Alternatives
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: Voidaanko siirtää tapaaminen huomiseen? B: ________, sopii hyvin.
'Selvä juttu' is the standard way to agree to a change of plans.
Choose the context where you should NOT use the phrase.
The phrase is too casual and 'factual' for emotional support.
Se on ihan ______ juttu, että me tarvitaan uusi auto.
'Selvä' is the only adjective that fits this idiomatic structure.
Select the correct usage.
Here, the phrase acts as a predicative describing a self-evident fact.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's generally polite and helpful. It only becomes rude if said with a sarcastic or impatient tone.
Yes, in most modern Finnish workplaces it is perfectly acceptable and shows you are on top of things.
'Homma' implies a task or physical work, while 'juttu' is more general. You can use 'juttu' for almost anything.
No. While 'Olen selvä' means 'I am sober', 'Selvä juttu' always refers to a situation or agreement.
No, it's too colloquial. Use 'asia on selvä' or 'on ilmeistä' instead.
It is completely gender-neutral and used by everyone.
You would say 'Se ei ole selvä juttu' or 'Se on vielä epäselvää'.
Yes, 'selviä juttuja', but it's rarely used as an idiom of agreement.
Yes, for example, if a stranger gives you directions or tells you the time.
It's a 'filler' noun that makes speech flow better and avoids the need for specific technical terms in casual talk.
It means 'clear hazel grouse'. It's an old hunting-related idiom that means the same as 'selvä juttu'.
Yes, it's a great equivalent for 'I see' when acknowledging new information.
Yes, it's a universal Finnish phrase, though local dialects might have their own variations.
No, it's too informal and 'business-like' for such a somber occasion.
Expressions liées
selvä homma
similarClear task/job
selvä pyy
similarClear hazel grouse
asia selvä
specialized formMatter clear
se on saletti
slangIt's a sure thing
ymmärretty
formalUnderstood
sillä selvä
contrastThat settles it
