Le savais-tu ?
The 's' in 'suu' used to be a palatalized 's' sound, similar to 'sh' but more forward in the mouth. While it's now just 's', its history connects it to similar words in related languages.
Astuces
Basic use of 'suu'
Remember that 'suu' simply means mouth. It's a very common word, so learn it well!
Plural form
The plural form of 'suu' is 'suut', meaning mouths. Finnish plurals often end in -t.
Pronunciation practice
Practice pronouncing 'suu'. The 'uu' sound is a long 'oo' like in moon. The 's' is like in snake.
Common phrase: 'Pidä suusi kiinni!'
Learn this common phrase: 'Pidä suusi kiinni!' It means Shut your mouth! or Be quiet! (literally: Keep your mouth closed!)
In compounds: 'suukko'
The word 'suukko' means kiss. It's derived from 'suu', meaning something done with the mouth.
Example sentence: 'Avasi suunsa.'
A practical example: 'Hän avasi suunsa.' This translates to He/She opened their mouth.
Example sentence: 'Suu auki.'
Another common phrase: 'Suu auki!' means Mouth open! or Open your mouth! This is often heard in a doctor's office.
Partitive case: 'suuta'
When 'suu' is the object of a negative sentence or an incomplete action, it takes the partitive case: 'suuta'. For example, 'En nähnyt suuta.' (I didn't see a mouth.)
Inessive case: 'suussa'
To say 'in the mouth', use the inessive case: 'suussa'. For example, 'Hammassärky on suussa.' (Toothache is in the mouth.)
Memorization tip
Associate 'suu' with a strong visual of a mouth. The more senses you use, the better you'll remember it.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a hungry 'SUU' (mouth) slurping up all the soup. The sound of 'suu' is like 'soup'.
Association visuelle
Draw a simple face and exaggerate the mouth. Write 'suu' clearly next to it. Every time you see a mouth, mentally label it 'suu'.
Word Web
Défi
Describe your breakfast using Finnish words. What did you put in your suu? Example: 'Pekoni ja munat menivät minun suuhun.' (Bacon and eggs went into my mouth.)
Origine du mot
Proto-Finnic *šuu
Sens originel : mouth
UralicContexte culturel
When someone says 'suu auki!' (mouth open!), they're often telling you to pay attention or are surprised. It's a common phrase in everyday Finnish. You might also hear 'pidä suusi kiinni!' which means 'shut your mouth!' – a less polite but direct command.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Describing someone's appearance or a physical characteristic related to the mouth.
- Hänellä on pieni suu. (She has a small mouth.)
- Minulla on kuiva suu. (I have a dry mouth.)
- Avaa suusi! (Open your mouth!)
Talking about eating or drinking.
- Ruoka maistuu suussa. (The food tastes good in the mouth.)
- Laita ruokaa suuhusi. (Put food in your mouth.)
- Vettä valuu suuhun. (Water is flowing into my mouth.)
Discussing speech or making sounds.
- Puhu suusi täyteen. (Speak with your mouth full - idiom for speaking too much/loudly.)
- Älä puhu suu täynnä. (Don't speak with your mouth full.)
- Hänellä on suu kiinni. (His/Her mouth is closed.)
Expressing surprise or shock.
- Suu auki! (Mouth open! - expressing surprise or amazement.)
- Jäin suu auki. (I was left with my mouth open.)
- Se sai suuni auki. (It made my mouth drop open.)
Referring to an opening or entrance, like the mouth of a river or a cave.
- Joen suu. (The mouth of the river.)
- Luolan suu. (The mouth of the cave.)
- Pussin suu. (The mouth of the bag.)
Amorces de conversation
"Onko sinulla kuiva suu? (Do you have a dry mouth?)"
"Miltä ruoka maistuu suussasi? (How does the food taste in your mouth?)"
"Osaatko sanoa "suu" suomeksi? (Can you say "mouth" in Finnish?)"
"Minkä värinen suusi on? (What color is your mouth?)"
"Onko sinulla usein suu auki yllätyksestä? (Do you often have your mouth open in surprise?)"
Sujets d'écriture
Kuvaile, miltä suussa tuntuu, kun syöt jotain todella herkullista. (Describe how your mouth feels when you eat something really delicious.)
Mitä asioita suustasi tulee ulos päivän aikana? (What things come out of your mouth during the day? - e.g., words, songs, food.)
Milloin viimeksi jäit suu auki yllätyksestä? Kerro tapahtumasta. (When was the last time you were left with your mouth open in surprise? Tell about the event.)
Jos suusi voisi puhua omin päin, mitä se sanoisi? (If your mouth could speak on its own, what would it say?)
Piirrä kuva suusta ja nimeä sen eri osat suomeksi (esim. huuli, kieli, hammas). (Draw a picture of a mouth and name its different parts in Finnish (e.g., lip, tongue, tooth).)
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsSuu means 'mouth' in Finnish. It's a fundamental word, useful for describing people or talking about eating.
You can say: 'Minulla on iso suu.' (I have a big mouth.) Or: 'Avaa suu!' (Open your mouth!)
No, the word suu itself doesn't change. However, if you want to say 'my mouth' or 'your mouth', you'd add possessive suffixes: 'minun suuni' (my mouth), 'sinun suusi' (your mouth).
Good question! Suu is used for both human and animal mouths. For example, 'Koiran suu on likainen.' (The dog's mouth is dirty.)
Yes, a common one is 'pitää suu kiinni' (to keep one's mouth shut). For example: 'Pidä suu kiinni!' (Shut your mouth!)
The plural form of suu is 'suut'. For example: 'Heillä on isot suut.' (They have big mouths.)
While suu refers to the mouth generally, if you want to be more specific, you'd use other words for parts like 'kieli' (tongue) or 'hampaat' (teeth). But 'sisällä suussa' means 'inside the mouth'.
Sometimes it can refer to the 'mouth' of a river or a bottle, though usually 'suuaukko' (mouth opening) or 'jokisuu' (river mouth) is more precise. But generally, suu is primarily the anatomical mouth.
The 's' is like in 'snake'. The 'uu' is a long 'oo' sound, like in 'moon'. So, 'soo-oo'.
Absolutely! For example: 'Ruoka meni suuhun.' (The food went into the mouth.) Or: 'Laita ruokaa suuhusi.' (Put food in your mouth.)
Teste-toi 30 questions
Lapsi avasi ___sa nauraessaan.
The child opened their mouth when laughing. 'Suu' is the correct word for 'mouth'.
Hän peitti ___nsa kädellään yskiessään.
They covered their mouth with their hand when coughing. 'Suu' means 'mouth'.
Kala avasi ja sulki ___nsa vedessä.
The fish opened and closed its mouth in the water. 'Suu' is the Finnish word for 'mouth'.
Lääkäri pyysi minua avaamaan ___ni ja sanomaan 'aa'.
The doctor asked me to open my mouth and say 'ah'. 'Suu' means 'mouth'.
Puhuminen on vaikeaa, kun ___ on täynnä ruokaa.
It's difficult to speak when your mouth is full of food. 'Suu' refers to 'mouth'.
Hänen ___nsa oli kuiva jännityksestä.
Their mouth was dry from nervousness. 'Suu' is the appropriate word for 'mouth'.
Which of the following describes the function of 'suu' in eating?
The mouth (suu) is the primary organ for chewing and initiating the swallowing process of food.
What is the common Finnish idiom related to 'suu' that means to keep a secret?
'Pitää suu supussa' literally means 'to keep one's mouth shut' and is an idiom for keeping a secret.
Which medical professional specializes in the health of 'suu' and teeth?
A 'hammaslääkäri' is a dentist, who specializes in the health of the mouth and teeth.
The Finnish word 'suukko' (kiss) is etymologically related to 'suu' (mouth).
Yes, 'suukko' (kiss) is a diminutive form derived from 'suu' (mouth), as a kiss involves the mouth.
In Finnish culture, it is common to describe someone as having 'suuri suu' (a big mouth) if they are quiet and reserved.
No, in Finnish, 'suuri suu' (a big mouth) typically refers to someone who talks too much or gossips, not someone quiet.
The Finnish expression 'olla suu messingillä' means to be very angry.
The expression 'olla suu messingillä' means to have a big smile, not to be angry.
Which of the following would best describe someone who is being 'suu messing' (literally, 'mouth messing') in Finnish, indicating they are speaking out of turn or inappropriately?
'Suu messing' is an idiomatic expression often used to describe someone who is speaking inappropriately or saying things they shouldn't.
If someone says 'Hänellä on liian iso suu' (literally, 'He has too big a mouth'), what are they most likely implying about the person?
'Liian iso suu' is an idiom meaning someone talks too much or cannot keep a secret.
In a formal setting, if someone is told 'Pidä suusi kiinni' (literally, 'Keep your mouth closed'), what is the polite interpretation?
While literally 'keep your mouth closed,' in a formal context, it's an idiom advising silence or not speaking on a particular topic.
The Finnish phrase 'suu vaahdossa' (mouth foaming) always literally means someone is suffering from rabies.
While 'suu vaahdossa' can literally describe rabies, it's more commonly used idiomatically to describe someone arguing or speaking very passionately and angrily.
If a Finn says 'suu auki' (mouth open), it can imply someone is surprised or astonished, not just literally with an open mouth.
'Suu auki' can be used idiomatically to convey surprise or astonishment, similar to 'jaw-dropping' in English.
The expression 'panna suu makeaksi' (to sweeten one's mouth) always refers to eating something sweet.
While it can refer to eating something sweet, it also idiomatically means to say something pleasant or complimentary, often to flatter someone.
Which of the following proverbs best illustrates the idea that sometimes it's better to stay silent than to speak and regret it?
The proverb 'Parempi suu suppuun kuin turha lausua' translates to 'Better mouth shut than to speak in vain,' directly reflecting the idea of thoughtful silence.
When Finns refer to 'kyläsuu,' what are they typically implying about a person?
'Kyläsuu' literally means 'village mouth' and is an informal term for a gossipmonger or someone who talks a lot about others' affairs.
In the context of Finnish idioms, what does it mean to have 'suu makeana' (a sweet mouth)?
'Suu makeana' refers to someone who is adept at using pleasant or flattering words, often to persuade or charm.
The Finnish idiom 'vetää vesi kielelle' (to pull water to the tongue) implies that someone is feeling unwell.
The idiom 'vetää vesi kielelle' actually means 'to make one's mouth water,' referring to a strong desire for food or drink.
If someone describes a situation as 'suu messingillä' (mouth on brass), they are suggesting the situation is very smooth and easy.
'Suu messingillä' typically means to be angry or sulking, with a tightened mouth, not that a situation is smooth or easy.
To say 'minulla on nälkä ja jano' (I am hungry and thirsty) correctly uses the word 'suu' to express both needs simultaneously.
While 'suu' is involved in both eating and drinking, the phrase 'minulla on nälkä ja jano' directly expresses hunger and thirst without needing to explicitly use 'suu' in this common expression.
The sentence describes someone singing happily.
The sentence mentions a child and blueberries.
This is a common Finnish saying about manners.
Read this aloud:
Hänen suunsa loksahti auki yllätyksestä.
Focus: loksahti auki yllätyksestä
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Pieni koira haukotteli ja näytti pienen suunsa.
Focus: haukotteli, näytti pienen suunsa
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Pidä suusi kiinni, jos sinulla ei ole mitään hyvää sanottavaa.
Focus: Pidä suusi kiinni, hyvää sanottavaa
Tu as dit :
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/ 30 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'suu'
Remember that 'suu' simply means mouth. It's a very common word, so learn it well!
Plural form
The plural form of 'suu' is 'suut', meaning mouths. Finnish plurals often end in -t.
Pronunciation practice
Practice pronouncing 'suu'. The 'uu' sound is a long 'oo' like in moon. The 's' is like in snake.
Common phrase: 'Pidä suusi kiinni!'
Learn this common phrase: 'Pidä suusi kiinni!' It means Shut your mouth! or Be quiet! (literally: Keep your mouth closed!)
