Signification
To investigate or learn information about something.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'omatoimisuus' (initiative). Saying 'Otan selvää' instead of asking someone to tell you the answer is highly respected. In Finnish meetings, 'Otan selvää' is a binding promise. If you say it, people expect an email with the answer shortly after. Finnish education emphasizes critical thinking. Students are encouraged to 'ottaa selvää' from multiple sources rather than just one textbook.
The 'Google' Rule
Whenever you would say 'I'll Google it' in English, you can say 'Otan selvää' in Finnish.
Case Alert
Don't forget the -sta/-stä ending! It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Signification
To investigate or learn information about something.
The 'Google' Rule
Whenever you would say 'I'll Google it' in English, you can say 'Otan selvää' in Finnish.
Case Alert
Don't forget the -sta/-stä ending! It's the most common mistake for beginners.
Reliability
Saying 'Otan selvää' is better than guessing. Finns value accuracy over speed.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the object (elative case).
Minä otan selvää tästä ______ (asia).
The idiom 'ottaa selvää' requires the elative case (-sta).
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I found out the time'?
You need the past tense 'otin', the partitive 'selvää', and the elative 'ajasta'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Milloin bussi tulee? B: En tiedä, mutta ______.
'Otan selvää' is the natural way to say 'I'll find out' in this context.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMinä otan selvää tästä ______ (asia).
The idiom 'ottaa selvää' requires the elative case (-sta).
How do you say 'I found out the time'?
You need the past tense 'otin', the partitive 'selvää', and the elative 'ajasta'.
A: Milloin bussi tulee? B: En tiedä, mutta ______.
'Otan selvää' is the natural way to say 'I'll find out' in this context.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsYes! 'Otan selvää hänestä' means you are finding out about their background or character.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Ottaa selvää' is the process of seeking; 'selvittää' is often the act of making something clear or solving it.
No, usually you use an indirect question like 'Otan selvää, onko...' (I'll find out if...).
Yes, but it's slightly more old-fashioned or used for 'getting the hang' of something.
You can say 'Otan selvää puolestasi' or just 'Otan selvää.'
Expressions liées
selvittää
similarto clarify/solve
tarkistaa
similarto check/verify
tutkia
specialized formto research/examine
ottaa selko
synonymto get the hang of / find out
päästä perille
builds onto get to the bottom of something
