Signification
Having enough money for something.
Contexte culturel
Finns generally avoid talking about how much money they have. Saying 'minulla on varaa' to brag is rare; it's mostly used as a factual statement during planning. The concept of 'varaa' is often used in political discourse regarding what the government can afford to provide for citizens. Younger Finns might use 'massia' or 'fyffee' instead of 'varaa' in very casual settings to talk about money. In older rural contexts, 'vara' still strongly connects to having physical supplies for the winter.
The 'Into' Rule
Always remember: Varaa + Into. If you afford a car, it's 'autoon'. If you afford a house, it's 'taloon'.
Don't say 'Minä'
Saying 'Minä on varaa' is the most common beginner mistake. Always use 'Minulla'.
Signification
Having enough money for something.
The 'Into' Rule
Always remember: Varaa + Into. If you afford a car, it's 'autoon'. If you afford a house, it's 'taloon'.
Don't say 'Minä'
Saying 'Minä on varaa' is the most common beginner mistake. Always use 'Minulla'.
Metaphorical use
Use 'Meillä ei ole varaa virheisiin' in a business meeting to sound like a pro.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the person (Minä).
_______ on varaa uuteen puhelimeen.
The 'owner' in an 'olla varaa' sentence must be in the Adessive case (-lla).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Can you afford a car?
The object of 'varaa' goes into the Illative case (autoon).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mennäänkö elokuviin? B: En tiedä, minulla ei ole _______.
In the context of 'I can't afford it', 'varaa' is the correct idiomatic choice.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Meillä ei ole varaa hävitä tätä peliä.
This is the metaphorical use of 'varaa', meaning the consequences of losing are too high.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ on varaa uuteen puhelimeen.
The 'owner' in an 'olla varaa' sentence must be in the Adessive case (-lla).
Can you afford a car?
The object of 'varaa' goes into the Illative case (autoon).
A: Mennäänkö elokuviin? B: En tiedä, minulla ei ole _______.
In the context of 'I can't afford it', 'varaa' is the correct idiomatic choice.
Meillä ei ole varaa hävitä tätä peliä.
This is the metaphorical use of 'varaa', meaning the consequences of losing are too high.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, in Finnish you use 'olla aikaa'. 'Varaa' is strictly for financial resources or critical consequences.
It's in the partitive case because you are using a part of your resources, and it's an abstract amount.
Not at all. It's considered a very honest and practical statement in Finland.
'Rahaa' is just 'money'. 'Varaa' is the 'means' or 'capacity' to use that money.
Expressions liées
rahat riittävät
synonymmoney is enough
raaskia
similarto have the heart to spend
olla varoissaan
specialized formto be wealthy
varautua
builds onto prepare for
