nimetä en 30 secondes
- Nimetä: To name, appoint, designate.
- Used for naming pets, projects, or appointing people to roles.
- Pay attention to case endings for appointed roles.
- Often interchangeable with 'nimittää' for appointments, but 'nimittää' is more common for formal roles.
- Core Meaning
- The Finnish verb 'nimetä' primarily means 'to name', 'to appoint', or 'to designate'. It signifies the act of giving a name to something or someone, or assigning a role or position.
- Giving Names
- This is the most straightforward usage. When you name a child, a pet, a project, or a place, you 'nimitä' it. For instance, 'He named his new dog Risto.' (Hän nimitti uuden koiransa Ristoksi.)
- Appointing Officials
- In more formal contexts, 'nimetä' is used for appointing someone to a position of authority, a job, or a committee. Think of appointing a new CEO, a committee member, or a chairperson. For example, 'The board appointed her as the new director.' (Hallitus nimitti hänet uudeksi johtajaksi.)
- Designating Roles or Tasks
- It can also mean to designate something for a specific purpose or to assign a specific role. 'They designated this area as a nature reserve.' (He nimesivät tämän alueen luonnonsuojelualueeksi.)
When a new president is elected, they are often nimetyt (appointed) to their office.
The teacher decided to nimetä a class representative for each subject.
We need to nimetä a project name soon.
- Basic Structure
- The verb 'nimetä' follows standard Finnish verb conjugation. The subject performs the action of naming or appointing. The object is what is being named or appointed. When appointing someone to a role, the person being appointed is often in the genitive or partitive case, and the role is in the nominative or partitive case, depending on context and the verb's requirements. A common structure is: Subject + nimittää + Object (Thing being named) or Subject + nimittää + Person (in genitive/partitive) + Role (in nominative/partitive).
- Naming Objects and Concepts
- When naming inanimate objects, places, or abstract concepts, the verb often takes the accusative or partitive case for the object being named. For example: 'He named the island 'Hope'.' (Hän nimitti saaren 'Toivoksi'.) Here, 'saaren' is genitive/accusative, and 'Toivoksi' is translative case indicating the new name.
- Appointing People to Roles
- This is a very frequent use. The structure often involves the person being appointed and the role they are appointed to. Example: 'The committee appointed Markus as the new treasurer.' (Toimikunta nimitti Markuksen uudeksi rahastonhoitajaksi.) 'Markuksen' is genitive of Markus, and 'uudeksi rahastonhoitajaksi' is translative case for 'new treasurer'.
The company will nimetä a new CEO next month.
They decided to nimittää the project 'Phoenix'.
The professor nimitti his best student to assist him.
- News and Current Events
- You will very frequently hear 'nimetä' in news reports, especially when discussing government appointments, company leadership changes, or the designation of new roles or responsibilities. Headlines often use passive forms like 'New Minister Appointed' (Uusi ministeri nimitetty).
- Formal Meetings and Official Announcements
- In official settings, such as board meetings, committee gatherings, or any formal assembly, discussions about assigning roles or giving official names to things will use 'nimetä'.
- Educational Institutions
- Schools and universities often use 'nimetä' when appointing student representatives, heads of departments, or naming new programs or buildings.
- Everyday Conversations (Naming things)
- While the formal appointments are common, you'll also hear it in more casual contexts when people are naming new pets, children, projects, or even giving nicknames to objects or places. For example, 'We named our new car 'Betsy'.' (Nimesimme uuden automme 'Betsyksi'.)
The news reported that a new ambassador was nimitetty to France.
During the meeting, they decided to nimetä a special committee.
My daughter nimitti her teddy bear 'Pörrö'.
- Confusing with 'kutsua' (to call)
- A common mistake for learners is to use 'nimetä' when they simply mean to 'call' someone a name or refer to them by a certain name in a descriptive way, rather than formally appointing or naming them. For instance, saying 'Hän nimitti minua typerykseksi' (He named me a fool) is less common than 'Hän kutsui minua typerykseksi' (He called me a fool) if it's a casual insult. 'Nimetä' implies a more formal or deliberate act of giving a name or designation.
- Incorrect Case Endings for Appointed Roles
- When appointing someone to a position, learners often struggle with the correct case endings for both the person and the role. For example, incorrectly stating 'Hallitus nimitti johtaja' (The board appointed leader) instead of the correct 'Hallitus nimitti johtajan' (The board appointed the leader - accusative for the person) or 'Hallitus nimitti hänet johtajaksi' (The board appointed him as leader - translative for the role).
- Overuse in Casual Naming
- While 'nimetä' can be used for casual naming (like pets), sometimes simpler verbs or constructions might be more natural depending on the exact nuance. Using 'nimetä' for every single instance of giving a name might sound slightly too formal or deliberate in very informal chat.
- Confusing 'nimetä' with 'nimittää' (to nominate/appoint)
- While very similar, 'nimittää' is a more common and general verb for appointing or nominating someone to a role. 'Nimetä' is often used for the act of giving a name itself, or for designating something. However, in the context of appointments, 'nimittää' is often preferred and more widely applicable. For example, 'The committee will nimittää a new chairman' (Komitea nimittää uuden puheenjohtajan) is more common than 'Komitea nimeää uuden puheenjohtajan'. It's a subtle distinction, but 'nimittää' is the go-to for formal appointments.
Incorrect: Hän nimitti minua kaveriksi. Correct: Hän kutsui minua kaveriksi (He called me a friend, implying informal address) or Hän piti minua kaverinaan (He considered me his friend).
Incorrect: Seura nimitti uusi kapteeni. Correct: Seura nimitti uuden kapteenin (The club appointed a new captain - accusative for the person) or Seura nimitti hänet kapteeniksi (The club appointed him as captain - translative for the role).
Incorrect: Ministeri nimesi komitean. Correct: Ministeri nimitti komitean (The minister appointed the committee - using the more common 'nimittää' for appointments).
- nimittää (to appoint, nominate)
- This is perhaps the most closely related verb. 'Nimittää' is very commonly used for appointing someone to an official position, nominating them for a role, or electing them. While 'nimetä' can be used for appointing, 'nimittää' is often the preferred verb in formal contexts of appointments and nominations. For instance, 'The company aims to nimittää a new CEO by the end of the year.' (Yritys pyrkii nimittämään uuden toimitusjohtajan vuoden loppuun mennessä.)
- kutsua (to call, invite)
- 'Kutsua' is used when you 'call' something by a name in a descriptive or informal manner, or when you invite someone. It's not about formal designation. For example, 'They called him a hero.' (Hänet kutsuttiin sankariksi.) This is different from formally appointing someone as a hero. 'Kutsua' can also mean to invite someone to an event.
- antaa nimi (to give a name)
- This is a more literal and often simpler way to say 'to name'. It's less formal than 'nimetä' or 'nimittää' and is commonly used for naming pets, children, or projects. For example, 'We will give our new puppy a name tomorrow.' (Annamme uudelle pennullemme nimen huomenna.)
- määrätä (to order, assign, decree)
- 'Määrätä' implies a stronger sense of authority and assignment. It means to order, decree, or assign a task or role, often with a sense of obligation. While it can overlap with 'nimetä' in the sense of assigning a role, 'määrätä' focuses more on the command or decree aspect. For example, 'The law assigned him a specific duty.' (Laki määräsi hänelle tietyn tehtävän.)
- liittää (to attach, associate)
- In certain contexts, 'liittää' can be used to associate something with a name or category, but it's not a direct synonym for naming or appointing. It's more about linking or connecting.
Comparison: 'Hallitus nimitti uuden johtajan.' (The board appointed a new director - formal appointment) vs. 'Lapset kutsuivat häntä naleksi.' (The children called him a bear - informal nickname).
Comparison: 'Annoimme projektille nimen 'Aurora'.' (We gave the project the name 'Aurora' - direct naming) vs. 'He nimesivät projektin 'Aurora'.' (They named the project 'Aurora' - slightly more formal act of naming).
Comparison: 'Määräsin hänet vastuulliseksi.' (I assigned him responsibility - decreeing a duty) vs. 'Nimittin hänet projektipäälliköksi.' (I appointed him as project manager - formal appointment).
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The verb 'nimetä' is closely related to the noun 'nimi', which means 'name'. This direct relationship highlights the fundamental action of assigning an identifier. The verb 'nimittää', which is very similar and often used for appointments, is a frequentative or causative form of the same root, implying a more active or repeated action of appointing.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'ä' as a long 'a' sound like in 'say'.
- Incorrect stress placement, putting it on the second syllable.
- Making the 'e' sound too closed, like 'ee'.
Niveau de difficulté
Understanding 'nimetä' in reading requires recognizing its different meanings (naming vs. appointing) and being aware of the case endings used, especially the translative case for roles. Context is key.
Accurate use in writing involves choosing between 'nimetä' and 'nimittää' and correctly applying case endings for the person appointed and their role. Overuse of simple naming can occur.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but using 'nimetä' appropriately in spoken Finnish, especially distinguishing it from 'nimittää' and using correct case endings, can be challenging for learners.
Recognizing 'nimetä' and its variations in spoken Finnish requires understanding the context to differentiate between simple naming and formal appointments.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Translative Case (-ksi)
When appointing someone to a role, the role is often in the translative case. 'Hän nimitti hänet **johtajaksi**.' (He appointed him as a leader.)
Genitive Case
The person being appointed is often in the genitive case. 'Hallitus nimitti **johtajan**.' (The board appointed the leader.)
Passive Voice
The passive form 'olla nimetty' is used to say something or someone has been named/appointed. 'Talo on **nimitetty** vanhan omistajan mukaan.' (The house has been named after the old owner.)
Infinitive of Purpose
Used with verbs like 'to appoint' to explain the reason for the appointment. 'Hän nimitti työryhmän **tutkimaan** asiaa.' (He appointed a working group to investigate the matter.)
Participle Clauses
Used to describe the state of being named or appointed. 'Tämä taideteos, **nimitetty** 'Aamunkoitto', on nyt esillä.' (This artwork, named 'Dawn', is now on display.)
Exemples par niveau
Lapsi nimitti lelunsa autoksi.
The child named his toy a car.
Simple past tense, object in accusative/genitive.
Mikä on tämän oven nimi?
What is the name of this door?
Question word, genitive case for 'oven'.
Hän antoi koiralle nimen.
He gave the dog a name.
Past tense, dative case for 'koiralle'.
Nimeä tämä kukka.
Name this flower.
Imperative form.
Olen nimetty Pekaksi.
I am named Pekka.
Passive form, partitive for the name.
Nimesimme talon.
We named the house.
Past tense, object in accusative/genitive.
Mikä sinun nimesi on?
What is your name?
Common question, genitive for 'sinun'.
Tämä on minun nimeni.
This is my name.
Possessive suffix.
He nimesivät uuden projektinsa 'Aurinkokunta'.
They named their new project 'Solar System'.
Past tense, translative case for the project name.
Opettaja nimitti Liisan luokanvalvojaksi.
The teacher appointed Liisa as class monitor.
Past tense, translative case for the role.
Mitä he nimesivät uudelle koiralleen?
What did they name their new dog?
Question, past tense, dative for the dog.
Tämä paikka on nimetty historiallisen henkilön mukaan.
This place is named after a historical person.
Passive past participle, 'mukaan' (according to) construction.
Yritys nimitti uuden toimitusjohtajan.
The company appointed a new CEO.
Past tense, accusative for the person.
Voitko nimetä tämän kirjan?
Can you name this book?
Modal verb 'voida', infinitive 'nimetä'.
Heidän lapsensa nimettiin Elias.
Their child was named Elias.
Passive past tense, nominative for the name.
Seura nimitti kapteenin.
The club appointed the captain.
Past tense, accusative for the person.
Päätettiin nimetä uusi katu kuuluisan taiteilijan mukaan.
It was decided to name the new street after a famous artist.
Passive construction ('päätettiin'), translative case for the street name, 'mukaan' (after).
Yhtiö nimitti hänet markkinointipäälliköksi.
The company appointed him as Marketing Manager.
Past tense, translative case for the role.
Kysymys oli, miten tämä monimutkainen ongelma tulisi nimetä.
The question was how this complex problem should be named.
Passive infinitive construction, 'tulisi' (should).
Tämä perinne on nimetty vanhan legendan mukaan.
This tradition is named after an old legend.
Passive past participle, 'mukaan'.
Komitea nimittää uuden puheenjohtajan ensi viikolla.
The committee will appoint a new chairperson next week.
Future tense, active voice, translative for the role.
Hän nimitti projektin 'Hopea', koska se oli niin tärkeä.
He named the project 'Silver' because it was so important.
Past tense, translative case for the project name.
On tärkeää nimetä tunteensa selkeästi.
It is important to name one's feelings clearly.
Infinitive construction, possessive suffix for 'tunteensa'.
Päätettiin nimetä kansainvälinen konferenssi 'Tulevaisuuden haasteet'.
It was decided to name the international conference 'Challenges of the Future'.
Passive construction, translative case for the conference name.
Valtuusto nimitti uuden kaupunginjohtajan yksimielisesti.
The city council appointed the new mayor unanimously.
Past tense, adverb 'yksimielisesti' (unanimously), translative for the role.
Kysymys on, miten tämä ilmiö pitäisi nimetä, jotta se olisi ymmärrettävä.
The question is how this phenomenon should be named so that it is understandable.
Modal verb 'pitäisi' (should), passive infinitive, subordinate clause with 'jotta' (so that).
Tutkimusryhmä ehdotti, että uusi laji nimettäisiin löytäjän mukaan.
The research group proposed that the new species be named after its discoverer.
Subjunctive mood ('ehdotti, että... nimettäisiin'), 'mukaan'.
Hänen roolinsa yrityksessä oli nimetty strategiseksi neuvonantajaksi.
His role in the company was designated as Strategic Advisor.
Passive past participle, translative case for the role.
Yliopisto nimitti uuden dekaanin tiedekuntaan.
The university appointed a new dean to the faculty.
Past tense, translative case for the role.
On ratkaisevan tärkeää nimetä ongelmat selkeästi ennen niiden ratkaisemista.
It is crucially important to name the problems clearly before solving them.
Infinitive construction, adverb 'selkeästi' (clearly), temporal clause with 'ennen'.
Hallitus nimitti valiokunnan tutkimaan asiaa.
The government appointed a committee to investigate the matter.
Past tense, infinitive of purpose 'tutkimaan'.
Hän ei tiennyt, miten häneltä pyydettyä lahjaa tulisi nimetä.
He didn't know how the requested gift should be named.
Indirect question, passive infinitive with 'tulisi'.
Kulttuurihistoriallisesti merkittävä rakennus nimettiin sen arkkitehdin mukaan, joka suunnitteli sen.
The culturally historically significant building was named after its architect, who designed it.
Passive past participle, relative clause, 'mukaan'.
Neuvosto nimitti uuden pääjohtajan valvomaan hankkeen loppuunsaattamista.
The council appointed a new CEO to oversee the completion of the project.
Past tense, infinitive of purpose 'valvomaan', genitive for 'hankkeen'.
Kysymys siitä, miten tätä uutta tieteellistä käsitettä tulisi kutsua tai nimetä, herätti vilkasta keskustelua.
The question of what this new scientific concept should be called or named sparked lively discussion.
Noun clause 'siitä, miten...', passive infinitive with 'tulisi', conjunction 'tai' (or).
Tämä taideteos on nimetty inspiraation lähteensä mukaan, joka on syvästi juurtunut suomalaiseen kansanperinteeseen.
This artwork is named after its source of inspiration, which is deeply rooted in Finnish folklore.
Passive past participle, relative clause, 'mukaan'.
Päätettiin nimetä uusi tutkimuskeskus sen perustajan perintöä kunnioittaen.
It was decided to name the new research center, honoring the legacy of its founder.
Passive construction, participial phrase 'kunnioittaen' (honoring).
On välttämätöntä nimetä vallitsevat yhteiskunnalliset haasteet yksityiskohtaisesti, jotta niihin voidaan puuttua tehokkaasti.
It is essential to name the prevailing societal challenges in detail so that they can be addressed effectively.
Infinitive construction, adverb 'yksityiskohtaisesti' (in detail), subordinate clause with 'jotta'.
Hän nimitti erikoisryhmän selvittämään tilanteen vakavuutta ja ehdottamaan ratkaisuja.
He appointed a special group to ascertain the gravity of the situation and propose solutions.
Past tense, infinitive of purpose 'selvittämään' and 'ehdottamaan'.
Keskustelussa nousi esiin kysymys, kuinka tämä uusi teknologia tulisi virallisesti nimetä kansainvälisillä markkinoilla.
In the discussion, the question arose of how this new technology should be officially named in the international market.
Indirect question, passive infinitive with 'tulisi', adverb 'virallisesti' (officially).
Tämä ilmiö, jota on vaikea täsmällisesti kuvailla, nimettiin 'kvanttihäilyvyydeksi' sen erikoislaatuisten ominaisuuksien vuoksi.
This phenomenon, which is difficult to describe precisely, was named 'quantum fuzziness' due to its peculiar characteristics.
Relative clause, passive past participle, causal phrase 'vuoksi' (due to).
Kuninkaallinen akatemia nimitti komitean laatimaan uudet suositukset taiteen tukemiseksi.
The Royal Academy appointed a committee to draft new recommendations for supporting the arts.
Past tense, infinitive of purpose 'laatimään', causal phrase 'tukemiseksi'.
Kysymys siitä, miten tämä moniulotteinen sosiaalinen rakennelma tulisi käsitteellisesti tai terminologisesti nimetä, on edelleen kiivaan akateemisen väittelyn kohteena.
The question of how this multidimensional social construct should be conceptually or terminologically named remains the subject of fierce academic debate.
Noun clause, passive infinitive with 'tulisi', adverbs 'käsitteellisesti' (conceptually) and 'terminologisesti' (terminologically), 'kohteena' (subject of).
Tämä historiallinen paikka, joka on ollut useiden merkittävien tapahtumien näyttämönä, nimettiin uudelleen sen alkuperäisen merkityksen kunniaksi.
This historical place, which has been the scene of several significant events, was renamed in honor of its original meaning.
Relative clause, passive past participle, causal phrase 'kunniaksi' (in honor of).
Päätettiin nimetä uusi kansainvälinen organisaatio edistämään kestävää kehitystä ja globaalia yhteistyötä.
It was decided to name the new international organization to promote sustainable development and global cooperation.
Passive construction, infinitive of purpose 'edistämään'.
On ratkaisevan tärkeää nimetä ja määritellä vallitsevat epistemologiset haasteet syvällisesti, jotta niihin voidaan tarjota relevantteja vastauksia.
It is crucially important to name and define the prevailing epistemological challenges profoundly, so that relevant answers can be offered to them.
Infinitive construction with compound verbs, adverb 'syvällisesti' (profoundly), subordinate clause with 'jotta'.
Hän nimitti erityisen työryhmän analysoimaan markkinatrendejä ja ennustamaan tulevia kehityssuuntia.
He appointed a special working group to analyze market trends and predict future developments.
Past tense, compound infinitive of purpose 'analysoimaan' and 'ennustamaan'.
Keskustelussa nousi esiin perustavanlaatuinen kysymys siitä, kuinka tämä uusi paradigma tulisi sekä käsitteellisesti että käytännöllisesti nimetä kansainvälisessä tiedeyhteisössä.
In the discussion, a fundamental question arose of how this new paradigm should be named both conceptually and practically in the international scientific community.
Noun clause, passive infinitive with 'tulisi', adverbs 'käsitteellisesti' (conceptually) and 'käytännöllisesti' (practically), conjunction 'sekä...että' (both...and).
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— To appoint someone to a position or task.
The committee will nimetä a new chairperson for the next meeting.
— To be named after someone or something.
This street is nimetty after a famous Finnish poet.
— To name or articulate one's feelings.
It can be difficult to nimetä all the emotions one is experiencing.
— To name or identify a problem.
We need to nimetä the core issues before we can find solutions.
— To name a work of art, literature, etc.
The artist chose to nimetä the painting 'Whispers of the Forest'.
— To name a place or location.
They decided to nimetä the newly discovered island 'Isla Perdida'.
— To name a class or category.
The teacher asked the students to nimetä different types of clouds.
— To name or identify the reason for something.
It's hard to nimetä the exact reason for his sudden departure.
Souvent confondu avec
While often used interchangeably for appointments, 'nimittää' is generally more common and preferred for formal appointments to positions of power or responsibility. 'Nimetä' can also be used for designating things or concepts.
'Kutsua' means to call or invite. It's used for informal naming or referring to someone by a certain name, not for formal appointments or designations.
This phrase literally means 'to give a name' and is a more direct and often less formal alternative to 'nimetä' for simple naming situations like pets or children.
Expressions idiomatiques
— Cannot be named; indescribable or hard to articulate.
The feeling of awe she experienced was so profound that she felt she could not nimetä it.
Literary, expressive— To name off the top of one's head; to name without much thought or consideration.
He just nimetä a few popular restaurants, but didn't really know if they were good.
Informal— To point a finger and name someone (often as blame or accusation).
Instead of solving the problem, he just started to nimetä sormella his colleagues.
Informal, critical— To put a name to something; to identify and articulate a situation or feeling.
It took her a while to nimetä the exact nature of her dissatisfaction with the job.
Psychological, analytical— To give a name to something (a general idiom, but can imply giving it significance).
By naming the treaty, the countries gave it a formal and recognized status.
Formal— To name something in honor of someone or something.
The park was nimetty in kunniaan the local heroes who defended the town.
Formal, commemorative— To name something, implying it's now defined or recognized.
The discovery of the new element allowed scientists to nimetä it and add it to the periodic table.
Scientific, formal— To name from something (less common, usually implies naming based on a characteristic or origin).
The wine was nimetty from the vineyard where the grapes were grown.
Descriptive— To name someone (can be simple or imply designation).
They decided to nimetä the baby girl 'Aurora'.
General— To give it a name.
We need to nimetä sille nimi soon, before it gets too big.
InformalFacile à confondre
Both verbs relate to naming and appointing. 'Nimittää' is a very close synonym, often used in the same contexts.
'Nimetä' can refer to the act of giving any name (e.g., to a pet, a project, a concept), while 'nimittää' is more specifically used for appointing someone to an official position or role, often implying a formal process or election. For instance, you 'nimitä' a project a name, but you 'nimittää' someone as a director.
He decided to nimetä his new boat 'Sea Serpent'. (He named his new boat 'Sea Serpent'.) vs. The board decided to nimittää a new CEO. (The board decided to appoint a new CEO.)
Both can be used to refer to how something is identified or addressed.
'Kutsua' means 'to call' or 'to invite'. It's used for informal appellations, nicknames, or descriptive names, not for formal appointments or the act of officially bestowing a name. For example, 'They called him a hero' (Hänet kutsuttiin sankariksi) is different from formally appointing someone 'as a hero'.
The children called the doll 'Princess'. (Lapset kutsuivat nukkea 'Prinsessaksi'.) vs. They decided to nimetä their new daughter 'Aurora'. (He päättivät nimetä uuden tyttärensä 'Auroraksi'.)
This phrase directly translates to 'to give a name', which is a core meaning of 'nimetä'.
'Antaa nimi' is a more literal and often simpler way to express the act of naming, especially for pets, children, or projects. 'Nimetä' can encompass this but also carries the more formal connotation of designation or appointment. 'Antaa nimi' is less formal and more direct.
We will give our new puppy a name tomorrow. (Annamme uudelle pennullemme nimen huomenna.) vs. He nimitti his new car 'Betsy'. (Hän nimitti uuden autonsa 'Betsyksi'.)
Both verbs can involve assigning roles or tasks.
'Määrätä' implies a stronger sense of command, decree, or authoritative assignment of duty. It focuses on ordering or decreeing something. 'Nimetä' is more about the act of naming or appointing, often without the same level of imperative force. For example, 'The law ordered him to pay a fine' (Laki määräsi hänet maksamaan sakon) is different from 'The committee appointed him as treasurer' (Komitea nimitti hänet rahastonhoitajaksi).
The teacher assigned him a difficult task. (Opettaja määräsi hänelle vaikean tehtävän.) vs. The teacher appointed him class representative. (Opettaja nimitti hänet luokan edustajaksi.)
The person appointed is often previously chosen or selected.
'Valita' means 'to choose' or 'to elect'. It refers to the process of selection. 'Nimetä' (or 'nimittää') is the act of formally assigning someone to a position after they have been chosen. You 'valitse' a candidate, and then you 'nimittää' them to the role.
We elected her as our representative. (Valitsimme hänet edustajaksemme.) vs. The committee appointed her as their representative. (Komitea nimitti hänet edustajakseen.)
Structures de phrases
Subject + nimittää + Object (in translative case)
Lapsi nimitti lelunsa autoksi.
Subject + nimittää + Person (accusative/genitive) + Role (translative case)
Opettaja nimitti Liisan luokanvalvojaksi.
Passive: Jokin on nimetty + Name/Attribute
Tämä paikka on nimetty historiallisen henkilön mukaan.
Subject + nimittää + Object (in translative case) + purpose infinitive
Komitea nimittää uuden puheenjohtajan valitsemaan seuraavan kokouksen paikan.
Indirect question with passive infinitive: miten ... tulisi nimetä
Kysymys on, miten tämä ilmiö tulisi nimetä.
Subject + nimittää + Person (genitive) + Role (translative case) + adverb
Valtuusto nimitti uuden kaupunginjohtajan yksimielisesti.
Participial phrase + passive past participle: ..., nimetty ...
Tämä taideteos, nimetty 'Aamunkoitto', on nyt esillä.
Complex noun clause + passive infinitive with 'tulisi': Kysymys siitä, miten ... tulisi nimetä
Kysymys siitä, miten tämä monimutkainen käsite tulisi nimetä, herätti keskustelua.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
High
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Using 'nimetä' when 'nimittää' is more appropriate for formal appointments.
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Use 'nimittää' for formal appointments like CEO or minister.
While 'nimetä' can mean appoint, 'nimittää' is the more standard verb for formal appointments to positions of authority. For example, 'The board appointed a new CEO' is best translated as 'Hallitus nimitti uuden toimitusjohtajan.'
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Incorrect case endings for the appointed role.
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Use the translative case (-ksi) for the role.
When someone is appointed to a role, the role itself is typically in the translative case. For instance, 'He was appointed as a project manager' becomes 'Hän nimettiin projektipäälliköksi.' Using the nominative case is incorrect here.
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Confusing 'nimetä' with 'kutsua' for informal naming.
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Use 'kutsua' for informal calling or nicknames.
'Kutsua' means 'to call' and is used for informal references or nicknames, not for formal naming or appointments. For example, 'They called him a hero' (Hän kutsui häntä sankariksi) is different from 'They named their new project 'Phoenix'' (He nimesivät uuden projektinsa 'Phoenixiksi').
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Overusing 'nimetä' for simple descriptions where 'antaa nimi' or 'kutsua' would be more natural.
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Use 'antaa nimi' or 'kutsua' for simple naming.
For everyday naming of pets, children, or casual references, phrases like 'antaa nimi' (to give a name) or 'kutsua' (to call) can be more natural and less formal than 'nimetä'. For example, 'Annamme uudelle koirallemme nimen' is common for naming a pet.
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Incorrectly forming the passive voice.
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Use 'olla nimetty' or 'tulla nimitetyksi'.
When something or someone has been named or appointed, the passive form is used. The common structure is 'olla nimetty'. For example, 'The building is named after the architect' (Rakennus on nimetty arkkitehdin mukaan). Using active forms incorrectly can lead to confusion.
Astuces
Case Endings for Appointments
When appointing someone to a role, pay close attention to the case endings. The person being appointed is often in the genitive or accusative case, and the role they are appointed to is frequently in the translative case (ending in -ksi). For instance, 'Hallitus nimitti hänet **johtajaksi**.' (The board appointed him as a leader.)
Nimetä vs. Nimittää
While 'nimetä' can mean to appoint, 'nimittää' is often the preferred verb for formal appointments and nominations. 'Nimetä' is more broadly used for the act of giving a name to something or someone, or designating something. If you're unsure for an appointment, 'nimittää' is usually the safer choice.
Link to 'Name'
Connect the Finnish word 'nimetä' to the English word 'name'. Visualize someone officially bestowing a name or a title, perhaps with a ceremonial scroll. This mental image can help recall the core meanings.
Use in Sentences
Actively try to use 'nimetä' in your own sentences, practicing both its 'naming' and 'appointing' meanings. Create sentences about naming pets, projects, and then about appointing hypothetical roles.
Stress and Vowels
Remember that the stress in 'nimetä' falls on the first syllable ('ni'). The vowel sounds are important: 'i' as in 'sit', 'e' as in 'bet', and 'ä' as in 'father' (but short). Practice saying it aloud: NI-me-tä.
Significance of Names
In Finnish culture, names can hold significance. When naming children or places, there might be traditions or deeper meanings involved. Understanding this context can enrich your appreciation of the verb 'nimetä'.
Passive Forms
Be aware of the passive past participle 'nimitetty' (named/appointed). This form is very common in news and official announcements, describing something or someone that has undergone the action of naming or appointing.
Explore Alternatives
Familiarize yourself with synonyms like 'nimittää', 'antaa nimi', and 'kutsua'. Understanding when to use each will greatly improve your fluency and accuracy in Finnish.
Real-World Scenarios
Think about real-world situations where 'nimetä' would be used: naming a new star, appointing a committee chair, designating a park area. This helps solidify the verb's practical applications.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of 'ni' as in 'knee' and 'metä' as in 'meta'. Imagine someone kneeling down (ni) to 'meta' (as in a grand plan or designation) and officially naming something or appointing someone.
Association visuelle
Picture a royal decree being signed, with a quill pen 'naming' a new ruler or designating a new territory. The act of signing is the 'nimetä'. Alternatively, imagine a child proudly pointing to a drawing and 'naming' each object.
Word Web
Défi
Try to use 'nimetä' in three different sentences today: one where you name an object, one where you appoint someone to a hypothetical role, and one where you describe something being named after someone or something else.
Origine du mot
The Finnish word 'nimetä' is of Finno-Ugric origin. It is related to the Proto-Finnic word *nime- and ultimately to Proto-Uralic roots. The core meaning of giving a name or designation has been present for a very long time.
Sens originel : Likely related to the concept of a 'name' or 'designation'.
Finno-Ugric (Finnish)Contexte culturel
When appointing people to roles, it's important to use respectful language. The act of naming, especially for children or significant projects, can be a deeply personal or important decision.
While 'nimetä' can mean 'to name' in a simple sense, its use for appointments and designations carries a more formal weight than simply 'calling' something by a name in English. The distinction between 'nimetä' and 'nimittää' is also important in formal Finnish contexts.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Naming a new pet
- Mitä nimeä annat koirallesi?
- Hän nimitti kissansa 'Mirkuksi'.
- Meidän täytyy nimetä tämä orava.
Appointing someone to a role
- Kuka nimitetään uudeksi johtajaksi?
- Hänet nimitetään projektipäälliköksi.
- Yhtiö nimitti hänet hallitukseen.
Naming a project or product
- Mikä on projektin nimi?
- He päättivät nimetä tuotteen 'Titanium'.
- Nimetkää tämä uusi ohjelmisto.
Designating a place or area
- Tämä alue on nimetty luonnonsuojelualueeksi.
- He nimesivät saaren 'Unelmaksi'.
- Katu on nimetty kuuluisan henkilön mukaan.
Describing something named after someone/something
- Rakennus on nimetty arkkitehdin mukaan.
- Laji nimettiin löytäjänsä mukaan.
- Tämä on nimetty vanhan perinteen mukaisesti.
Amorces de conversation
"What's your favorite way to name things?"
"If you could appoint anyone to a dream job, who would it be and what role?"
"Have you ever named a pet or a project? What was the process like?"
"How important do you think it is to officially name things or appoint people?"
"What's the most interesting name you've ever encountered for a place or a product?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time you had to name something important. What was the process, and what did the name signify?
Imagine you are appointing someone to lead a significant mission. Who would you choose and why, and what would you name their role?
Write about a place or object that is named after a historical figure or event. What is the story behind its name?
Reflect on a situation where you struggled to 'name' a feeling or a problem. How did articulating it change your understanding?
If you were to create a new award or designation, what would it be called and what criteria would it have for being named?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile both can be used for appointing, 'nimittää' is generally more common and preferred for formal appointments to positions of authority or responsibility. 'Nimetä' can also be used for designating things, naming concepts, or appointing in a less formal context. Think of 'nimittää' as 'to appoint/nominate' and 'nimetä' as 'to name/designate'.
The translative case is very common when 'nimetä' or 'nimittää' is used to appoint someone to a role or position. The role itself is put into the translative case. For example, 'Hän nimitti hänet **johtajaksi**' (He appointed him as a leader).
Yes, 'nimetä' is commonly used for naming pets, children, projects, or other entities. For example, 'He nimitti his new dog 'Risto'.' (Hän nimitti uuden koiransa 'Ristoksi'.) The phrase 'antaa nimi' is also frequently used for this purpose.
'Nimitetty' is the past participle passive form. It means 'named' or 'appointed'. You'll often see it in news articles or official announcements, like 'Uusi ministeri nimitetty' (New minister appointed).
Not really. 'Kutsua' means 'to call' or 'to invite'. While you might 'kutsua' someone by a nickname, 'nimetä' is about the formal act of giving a name or appointing someone to a role. For example, 'He called me a fool' (Hän kutsui minua typerykseksi) is different from 'They named their new project 'Phoenix'' (He nimesivät uuden projektinsa 'Phoenixiksi').
You use the passive form 'olla nimetty' followed by the genitive case of the person or thing and the word 'mukaan' (according to/after). For example, 'This street is named after a famous poet.' (Tämä katu on nimetty kuuluisan runoilijan mukaan.)
Yes, 'nimetä' can be used to name abstract concepts, feelings, or problems. For example, 'It's hard to nimetä the exact feeling.' (On vaikea nimetä tarkkaa tunnetta.)
The opposite actions would be 'poistaa nimi' (to remove a name), 'erottaa virasta' (to dismiss from office), or the state of 'nimettömyys' (anonymity).
Yes, for example, 'ei voi nimetä' means 'cannot be named' or 'indescribable'. 'Nimetä sormella' means to point a finger and name someone, often accusingly.
For appointing a committee, 'nimittää' is generally the more common and appropriate verb. For example, 'Komitea nimittää uuden puheenjohtajan.' (The committee will appoint a new chairperson.)
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Summary
The Finnish verb 'nimetä' is versatile, covering both the simple act of giving a name to something and the more formal act of appointing someone to a position. While related to 'nimittää', 'nimetä' can also be used for designating things or naming concepts, making it a fundamental verb for establishing identity and roles.
- Nimetä: To name, appoint, designate.
- Used for naming pets, projects, or appointing people to roles.
- Pay attention to case endings for appointed roles.
- Often interchangeable with 'nimittää' for appointments, but 'nimittää' is more common for formal roles.
Case Endings for Appointments
When appointing someone to a role, pay close attention to the case endings. The person being appointed is often in the genitive or accusative case, and the role they are appointed to is frequently in the translative case (ending in -ksi). For instance, 'Hallitus nimitti hänet **johtajaksi**.' (The board appointed him as a leader.)
Nimetä vs. Nimittää
While 'nimetä' can mean to appoint, 'nimittää' is often the preferred verb for formal appointments and nominations. 'Nimetä' is more broadly used for the act of giving a name to something or someone, or designating something. If you're unsure for an appointment, 'nimittää' is usually the safer choice.
Context is Key
The meaning of 'nimetä' can shift significantly based on context. Listen to or read sentences carefully to determine if it's about simple naming (like a pet), formal appointment (like a CEO), or designation (like a nature reserve).
Link to 'Name'
Connect the Finnish word 'nimetä' to the English word 'name'. Visualize someone officially bestowing a name or a title, perhaps with a ceremonial scroll. This mental image can help recall the core meanings.
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