Signification
To take time off work.
Contexte culturel
The 'Summer Holiday' (kesäloma) is almost sacred. Most Finns take 4 weeks off in July. It is considered rude to send important work emails during this time. Finns often 'ottaa lomaa' to go to their 'mökki' (cottage). This involves a return to nature, often without running water or electricity, which is seen as the ultimate way to recharge. In Finnish companies, taking leave is encouraged to prevent burnout. It is not seen as a lack of ambition, but as a sign of a healthy, organized employee. Compared to the US, where 'taking leave' can sometimes be seen as a negative, in Finland, NOT taking your earned leave is seen as strange and even slightly suspicious.
The Partitive Rule
Always use 'lomaa' (partitive) when the amount of time is general. Use 'loman' (accusative) only if referring to one specific, completed holiday unit.
Don't say 'Tehdä'
Never say 'tehdä lomaa'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'ottaa'.
Signification
To take time off work.
The Partitive Rule
Always use 'lomaa' (partitive) when the amount of time is general. Use 'loman' (accusative) only if referring to one specific, completed holiday unit.
Don't say 'Tehdä'
Never say 'tehdä lomaa'. It's a common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'ottaa'.
July is the month
If you want to take leave in Finland, July is the most common time. Be prepared for many businesses to be closed!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'ottaa'.
Minä ______ lomaa ensi kuussa.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular form 'otan'.
Which sentence is correct for a workplace request?
How do you ask your boss for leave?
'Ottaa lomaa' is the correct collocation and 'lomaa' must be in the partitive case.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Oletko väsynyt? B: Kyllä, minun täytyy _________.
If someone is tired (väsynyt), the most logical response is that they need to take a holiday.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell your friend you took 2 weeks off in the past.
'Otin' is the past tense (imperfekt) of 'ottaa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ottaa vs. Pitää
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMinä ______ lomaa ensi kuussa.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular form 'otan'.
How do you ask your boss for leave?
'Ottaa lomaa' is the correct collocation and 'lomaa' must be in the partitive case.
A: Oletko väsynyt? B: Kyllä, minun täytyy _________.
If someone is tired (väsynyt), the most logical response is that they need to take a holiday.
You want to tell your friend you took 2 weeks off in the past.
'Otin' is the past tense (imperfekt) of 'ottaa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, 'loma' implies a longer period. For a weekend, it's better to say 'ottaa vapaata' (take time off).
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or your boss.
'Loma' is a holiday/vacation. 'Vapaa' is just 'free time' or 'time off'.
Use the past tense: 'Otin lomaa'.
Yes, but it sounds like you are taking 'THE' holiday (a specific one). 'Otan lomaa' is more common.
It is 'ottaa lomaa'. 'Lomalta' means 'from holiday'.
Yes, usually you 'hakea lomaa' through an HR system.
It is unpaid leave.
Yes, but it's often called 'anoa vapautusta' (requesting exemption) in formal school contexts.
You still 'ottaa lomaa', but you are the one who approves it!
Expressions liées
pitää lomaa
similarto be on/have a holiday
lähteä lomalle
similarto go on holiday
hakea lomaa
specialized formto apply for leave
lomauttaa
contrastto lay off / furlough
vapaapäivä
builds ona day off
