Signification
Describing a short distance.
Contexte culturel
Finns have a very wide 'personal space' bubble. If you are 'lähellä' someone in a queue, you are likely too close. Keep at least an arm's length. In the vast north, 'lähellä' can mean a 20-minute drive. Distance is relative to the sparsity of the population. In the capital, 'lähellä' usually refers to walking distance or a short tram ride. The phrase 'Se oli lähellä' is a common exclamation for a near-miss in ice hockey, Finland's national sport.
Use 'Ihan'
Add 'ihan' before 'lähellä' to sound more like a native. 'Se on ihan lähellä' (It's quite/very near).
The Genitive Trap
If you say 'near the station', remember the 'n': 'asemaN lähellä'.
Signification
Describing a short distance.
Use 'Ihan'
Add 'ihan' before 'lähellä' to sound more like a native. 'Se on ihan lähellä' (It's quite/very near).
The Genitive Trap
If you say 'near the station', remember the 'n': 'asemaN lähellä'.
Spoken Finnish
In Helsinki, you'll often hear 'Se o lähel'. Dropping the final vowel is common in the capital region.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'The shop is near.'
Kauppa ___ lähellä.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'olla' (to be), which matches 'kauppa' (the shop).
Which sentence means 'It is quite near'?
Choose the best translation:
'Aika' means 'quite' or 'rather' in this context.
Match the Finnish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Missä posti on? B: ___
This is the most natural response to a question about location.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKauppa ___ lähellä.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'olla' (to be), which matches 'kauppa' (the shop).
Choose the best translation:
'Aika' means 'quite' or 'rather' in this context.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
A: Missä posti on? B: ___
This is the most natural response to a question about location.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but only for physical distance. 'Hän on lähellä' means 'He is nearby.' For emotional closeness, use 'läheinen'.
'Lähellä' is more direct (near), while 'lähistöllä' means 'in the general vicinity' or 'nearby-ish'.
In Finnish, it is primarily a postposition, meaning it comes AFTER the noun (e.g., 'talon lähellä').
The comparative form is 'lähempänä'. For example: 'Se on lähempänä kuin luulin' (It is closer than I thought).
No, 'lähellä' is an adverb and remains the same. 'Ne ovat lähellä' (They are near).
Expressions liées
Se on kaukana
contrastIt is far
Ihan tässä
similarRight here
Kulman takana
specialized formAround the corner
Läheinen ystävä
builds onA close friend
