Signification
Describing a task as hard to do.
Contexte culturel
Finns often use 'vaikea' to describe social interactions that are awkward or require emotional labor. It is a very honest culture where admitting difficulty is respected. In schools, 'vaikea' is not a taboo word. Teachers use it to validate that a subject is complex, which helps reduce student anxiety. In a Finnish meeting, if someone says 'Tämä on vaikeaa,' they are usually being literal and looking for a practical solution, not just complaining. The concept of Sisu implies that even if something is 'vaikeaa,' you keep going. The phrase is often followed by 'mutta' (but).
The Double 'A' Rule
Remember the extra 'a' at the end of 'vaikeaa' when you are talking about a general situation. It's the partitive case!
Avoid 'Kova'
Never use 'kova' for a difficult exam. Finns will think you mean the paper is physically tough to rip!
Signification
Describing a task as hard to do.
The Double 'A' Rule
Remember the extra 'a' at the end of 'vaikeaa' when you are talking about a general situation. It's the partitive case!
Avoid 'Kova'
Never use 'kova' for a difficult exam. Finns will think you mean the paper is physically tough to rip!
Spoken Finnish
Use 'vaikeeta' instead of 'vaikeaa' to sound like a local in Helsinki.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'vaikea'.
Tämä matematiikka on ______.
Because 'matematiikka' is an abstract subject/situation here, we use the partitive form 'vaikeaa'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I am having a hard time'?
Choose the correct Finnish translation:
The 'Minulla on' (I have) structure is used to express personal experience or state.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are trying to solve a very complex puzzle.
A puzzle is a mental challenge, so 'vaikeaa' is the correct term.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko suomen kieli helppoa? B: Ei, se on ______.
The speaker is contradicting 'helppoa' (easy), so they use the partitive 'vaikeaa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Vaikea vs. Kova
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTämä matematiikka on ______.
Because 'matematiikka' is an abstract subject/situation here, we use the partitive form 'vaikeaa'.
Choose the correct Finnish translation:
The 'Minulla on' (I have) structure is used to express personal experience or state.
Situation: You are trying to solve a very complex puzzle.
A puzzle is a mental challenge, so 'vaikeaa' is the correct term.
A: Onko suomen kieli helppoa? B: Ei, se on ______.
The speaker is contradicting 'helppoa' (easy), so they use the partitive 'vaikeaa'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn Finnish, when the subject is abstract (like 'this' referring to a situation), the adjective must be in the partitive case. 'Vaikeaa' is the partitive form.
Yes, but 'Hän on vaikea' (nominative) means 'He is a difficult/stubborn person.' It is usually a negative description.
'Vaikea' is general difficulty. 'Hankala' is more about being awkward, inconvenient, or physically tricky.
Yes, it is a neutral, honest statement. It is not considered rude or complaining in Finnish culture.
Use the past tense of the verb 'olla': 'Tämä oli vaikeaa.'
Yes! Here 'vaikea' is in the nominative because it describes the specific noun 'tehtävä'.
It's not slang, but it is 'puhekieli' (spoken language). It's used by almost everyone in casual conversation.
No, 'heavy' is 'raskas' or 'painava'. 'Vaikea' is only for difficulty.
'Tämä ei ole vaikeaa.'
'Helppoa' (easy).
Expressions liées
Tämä on hankalaa
similarThis is troublesome/awkward.
Tämä on helppoa
contrastThis is easy.
Tämä on haastavaa
specialized formThis is challenging.
Tämä on monimutkaista
builds onThis is complicated.
