Signification
Look before you leap.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'maltti' (patience) and 'varovaisuus' (caution). This proverb is often taught to children to prevent accidents in nature. Estonians have a very similar proverb 'Parem karta kui kahetseda' (Better to fear than to regret), showing the shared Baltic-Finnic cultural heritage. The Swedish equivalent 'Bättre stämma i bäcken än i ån' (Better to stop the stream than the river) uses a water metaphor, reflecting the shared Nordic geography. In international business, this Finnish proverb is often cited as a reason why Finnish negotiators are thorough and sometimes slow to decide.
The 'K' Rhythm
The phrase is easy to remember because of the alliteration and the repetitive 'ka-' start of the verbs.
Don't be a killjoy
Using this too much in social situations can make you seem like you don't want to have fun. Use it for real risks!
Signification
Look before you leap.
The 'K' Rhythm
The phrase is easy to remember because of the alliteration and the repetitive 'ka-' start of the verbs.
Don't be a killjoy
Using this too much in social situations can make you seem like you don't want to have fun. Use it for real risks!
Professional Polish
In a Finnish workplace, saying this shows you are reliable and value quality over speed.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Parempi katsoa kuin ______.
The proverb is 'Parempi katsoa kuin katua' (Better to look than to regret).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Milloin sanot 'Parempi katsoa kuin katua'?
The proverb is used to advise caution before making a commitment.
Match the Finnish words to their English meanings.
Yhdistä sanat.
These are the four components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'En jaksa lukea tätä pitkää sopimusta.' B: 'Lue se silti. ______.'
The proverb fits perfectly as advice to read a contract carefully.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Action vs Outcome
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesParempi katsoa kuin ______.
The proverb is 'Parempi katsoa kuin katua' (Better to look than to regret).
Milloin sanot 'Parempi katsoa kuin katua'?
The proverb is used to advise caution before making a commitment.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four components of the proverb.
A: 'En jaksa lukea tätä pitkää sopimusta.' B: 'Lue se silti. ______.'
The proverb fits perfectly as advice to read a contract carefully.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You can, but then it's no longer the standard proverb. However, the 'Parempi X kuin Y' structure is very common.
'Look before you leap' or 'Better safe than sorry.'
Finnish proverbs often drop the 'to be' verb to sound more traditional and punchy.
Yes, many Finnish pop and folk songs use this phrase to describe life lessons.
Yes, like checking if you have your keys before locking the door.
Not at all. It is a living part of the modern Finnish language.
That would mean 'Better to regret than to look,' which is the opposite and sounds like you are encouraging recklessness!
Young people might say 'Varman päälle' instead.
Very common, especially in articles about consumer protection or safety.
Expressions liées
Vara ei venettä kaada
synonymCaution doesn't capsize the boat.
Hätä ei lue lakia
contrastNecessity knows no law.
Kertaus on opintojen äiti
similarRepetition is the mother of studies.
Hiljaa hyvä tulee
similarSlowly but surely (Good things come to those who wait).
