Signification
Having a lot to do in a short time.
Contexte culturel
Finns are known for being punctual. If a meeting starts at 9:00, it starts at 9:00. 'Pitää kiirettä' is the phrase that helps you maintain this cultural standard. In Nordic workplaces, efficiency is valued over long hours. 'Pitämällä kiirettä' (by hurrying) during work hours, you ensure you can leave at 4:00 PM for family time. In traditional Sami culture, time is often viewed more seasonally than by the clock. However, during reindeer herding periods, 'pitää kiirettä' becomes essential for safety. In cities like Helsinki, the 'kiire' culture is more prevalent. People use this phrase constantly when navigating public transport or busy social schedules.
The 'T-D' Rule
Always remember that when you conjugate 'pitää', the 'tt' changes to 'd' (except in the 3rd person singular). This is the biggest hurdle for A1 learners.
Don't over-hurry
While 'Pidä kiirettä!' is common, saying it too often to a superior might sound slightly impatient. Use 'Meidän täytyy ehkä kiirehtiä' for a softer touch.
Signification
Having a lot to do in a short time.
The 'T-D' Rule
Always remember that when you conjugate 'pitää', the 'tt' changes to 'd' (except in the 3rd person singular). This is the biggest hurdle for A1 learners.
Don't over-hurry
While 'Pidä kiirettä!' is common, saying it too often to a superior might sound slightly impatient. Use 'Meidän täytyy ehkä kiirehtiä' for a softer touch.
The Humble Brag
If someone asks how you are, 'On pitänyt kiirettä' is the perfect Finnish way to say you are successful and busy without being flashy.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb form of 'pitää'. Remember consonant gradation!
Minä ______ kiirettä, koska juna lähtee pian.
The first person singular form of 'pitää' is 'pidän' (t -> d).
Which sentence is correct?
You want to tell your friend to hurry up.
'Pidä kiirettä!' is the correct imperative form with the partitive case.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Meillä on vain viisi minuuttia aikaa.' B: '_________________.'
This is the most natural response to a time-sensitive situation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are explaining why you were so busy at work last week.
The perfect tense 'on pitänyt' is used to describe a past period of being busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Olla Kiire vs. Pitää Kiirettä
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMinä ______ kiirettä, koska juna lähtee pian.
The first person singular form of 'pitää' is 'pidän' (t -> d).
You want to tell your friend to hurry up.
'Pidä kiirettä!' is the correct imperative form with the partitive case.
A: 'Meillä on vain viisi minuuttia aikaa.' B: '_________________.'
This is the most natural response to a time-sensitive situation.
You are explaining why you were so busy at work last week.
The perfect tense 'on pitänyt' is used to describe a past period of being busy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but 'ajaa kovaa' or 'pitää vauhtia' is more common for vehicles.
In this collocation, yes. It never changes to 'kiireen' or 'kiire'.
'Kiire' is standard; 'hoppu' is more informal and cute. You can say 'pitää hoppua' with friends.
It depends on the tone. To a friend, it's helpful. To a stranger, it might be a bit pushy.
You would say 'Minulla ei ole kiire' rather than using 'pitää'.
Expressions liées
olla kiire
similarTo be in a hurry / to be busy
kiirehtiä
synonymTo hasten / to hurry
pitää hoppua
informalTo hurry up
vauhtia töppösiin
slangGet a move on!
kiireestä kantapäähän
builds onFrom head to toe
