At the A1 level, 'ostaa' is a vital verb used for basic survival and everyday tasks. Learners focus on the present tense and simple objects. You learn to say 'Minä ostan leipää' (I buy bread) or 'Haluaisin ostaa tämän' (I would like to buy this). The emphasis is on identifying the verb as a Type 1 verb and understanding the basic vowel harmony. You also learn that the place of purchase ends in -sta or -lta. This level focuses on concrete items: food, clothes, and tickets. Exercises often involve matching the verb with common nouns or completing simple shopping dialogues. The goal is to be able to conduct a basic transaction in a Finnish shop without confusion. You will also learn the imperative 'Osta!' which is common in advertising. At this stage, the nuances of the partitive vs. accusative case are introduced but not yet fully mastered, often focusing on uncountable nouns like 'maitoa' (milk) and 'kahvia' (coffee).
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'ostaa' to include the past tense (ostin) and the future-leaning present tense. You begin to use the verb in more complex sentences, such as 'Ostin uuden takin eilen' (I bought a new coat yesterday). The focus shifts to the 'mistä' (from where) rule, ensuring you use 'kaupasta' or 'torilta' correctly. You also learn to use 'ostaa' with the third infinitive: 'Menen ostamaan ruokaa' (I am going to buy food). This level introduces more diverse objects, including electronic devices and services. You start to understand the difference between 'ostaa' and 'maksaa' (to pay). Exercises might involve describing a past shopping trip or planning a party and listing what needs to be bought. Vowel harmony in plural forms like 'ostavat' (they buy) becomes more natural. You also encounter the negative form 'en osta', realizing the object must always be in the partitive case.
At the B1 level, you move beyond simple transactions to discuss habits, preferences, and hypothetical situations using the conditional mood: 'Ostaisin auton, jos minulla olisi rahaa' (I would buy a car if I had money). You understand the nuances of the Finnish object cases (partitive vs. genitive-accusative) more deeply, applying them correctly in most situations. You also learn related nouns like 'ostos' (purchase) and 'ostaja' (buyer). The verb starts appearing in more abstract contexts, such as 'ostaa aikaa' (to buy time). You can handle more complex communicative tasks, such as complaining about a product you 'ostit' or discussing the ethics of 'ostaa' (e.g., local vs. imported goods). Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'hankkia' and 'hommata'. You are also able to use the passive form 'ostetaan' (is bought/one buys) in general statements.
At the B2 level, 'ostaa' is used fluently in both formal and informal registers. You can discuss economic trends, such as 'kuluttajat ostavat vähemmän' (consumers are buying less). You understand the use of 'ostaa' in business contexts, including 'yrityskaupat' (mergers and acquisitions). You can use the long first infinitive with purpose: 'Hän tekee töitä ostaakseen asunnon' (He works in order to buy an apartment). This level also involves understanding idiomatic expressions and the subtle differences between 'ostaa', 'lunastaa', and 'tilailla'. You can participate in debates about consumerism and the environment, using 'ostaa' to express complex viewpoints. Your mastery of consonant gradation and vowel harmony is nearly perfect, and you can switch between 'ostaa' and its colloquial counterparts like 'shoppailla' depending on the social setting.
At the C1 level, you use 'ostaa' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of the stylistic choices between 'ostaa' and more sophisticated verbs like 'kartuttaa' (to accumulate/buy more of something) or 'investoida'. You can understand and use the verb in legal and technical texts, such as 'ostosopimus' (purchase agreement). You can analyze the use of 'ostaa' in literature, where it might have symbolic meaning. Your understanding of the 'mistä' rule extends to very abstract concepts, such as 'ostaa palveluita pilvestä' (buying services from the cloud). You can handle complex grammatical structures involving 'ostaa' without hesitation, including various participial constructions. You also recognize the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Finnic languages. Your ability to use the verb is nuanced, allowing you to express irony, sarcasm, or professional authority.
At the C2 level, 'ostaa' is a tool for total linguistic expression. You can use it in highly creative ways, such as in poetry or advanced rhetoric. You understand the most obscure idioms and historical usages of the word. You can discuss the philosophy of 'ostaminen' and its impact on the Finnish psyche. Your command of the grammar surrounding 'ostaa' is flawless, including the most complex case interactions and archaic forms that might appear in old texts. You can effortlessly switch between dialects where 'ostaa' might be pronounced or used differently. You are also able to translate complex English concepts involving 'buy' (like 'buy-in' or 'buy-out') into the most appropriate Finnish equivalents, whether they use the root 'osta-' or not. At this level, the word is not just a verb; it is a versatile element of a vast linguistic repertoire.

ostaa 30秒で

  • Ostaa is the primary Finnish verb for 'to buy', used in all contexts from groceries to corporate mergers.
  • It is a Type 1 verb (ostan, ostat, ostaa) and follows standard Finnish vowel harmony rules.
  • The location where you buy something must be in the elative (-sta) or ablative (-lta) case.
  • The object of the verb takes either the genitive-accusative or partitive case depending on completion and quantity.
The Finnish verb ostaa is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the language, categorized under CEFR level A1 because of its essential role in daily survival and commerce. At its core, it translates to the English verb 'to buy' or 'to purchase.' However, in Finnish, the usage of ostaa carries specific grammatical weight that distinguishes it from English. It is a Type 1 verb, meaning it ends in two vowels, and it undergoes consonant gradation (the 'st' remains stable, but the internal structure of sentences around it changes). When you use ostaa, you are not just describing a transaction; you are entering a world of Finnish case logic. For instance, the place where you buy something is usually expressed in the elative (-sta/-stä) or ablative (-lta/-ltä) cases, essentially saying you buy something 'out of' or 'from off' a location.
Daily Transactions
In Finland, you will use this word at the 'ruokakauppa' (grocery store), 'tori' (market square), and 'apteekki' (pharmacy). It is the primary way to express the acquisition of goods.

Minä haluan ostaa uuden puhelimen tänään.

Beyond physical goods, ostaa is used metaphorically to 'buy into' an idea or to 'buy time' (ostaa aikaa). In a professional context, it can refer to procurement or corporate acquisitions. Finns value directness in commerce, so you will often hear the imperative 'Osta!' in advertisements, though in a shop, you might use the more polite conditional 'Haluaisin ostaa...' (I would like to buy...). Understanding ostaa is your gateway to understanding the Finnish economy and social exchange. It is not just about the money; it is about the transition of ownership. In Finnish history, the concept of buying was tied to trade routes and 'vaihtokauppa' (barter), but modern usage is strictly monetary. Whether you are buying 'maitoa' (milk) or 'osakkeita' (stocks), the verb remains the same, providing a stable foundation for your vocabulary.
Grammatical Harmony
The word follows standard Finnish vowel harmony. Since it contains 'o' and 'a', any suffixes added will use the back vowels (a, o, u) rather than the front vowels (ä, ö, y).

Me ostamme ruokaa marketista.

This verb is also the root for many other words, such as 'ostos' (a purchase) and 'ostoskori' (shopping basket), making it a high-utility root for learners. By mastering 'ostaa', you are not just learning a word; you are learning how to navigate the Finnish marketplace and express your needs and desires effectively in a wide variety of social and economic situations.
Using ostaa correctly requires an understanding of Finnish sentence structure and the relationship between the verb and its objects. As a transitive verb, ostaa usually takes a direct object. In Finnish, the case of this object depends on whether the action is completed or partial. If you buy a specific, whole item, like a book, you use the genitive-accusative: 'Ostan kirjan' (I buy the/a book). If you are buying an indefinite amount of something, like milk or coffee, you use the partitive: 'Ostan maitoa' (I buy [some] milk).
The 'From' Rule
One of the most unique aspects of using 'ostaa' is the 'mistä' (from where) rule. While in English you buy something 'at' a store, in Finnish you buy it 'from' (out of) the store. Use the elative case (-sta/-stä) for buildings: 'Ostan leipää kaupasta'.

Hän ostaa liput netistä.

Conjugation is straightforward as it is a Type 1 verb. The stem is 'osta-'. Present tense: minä ostan, sinä ostat, hän ostaa, me ostamme, te ostatte, he ostavat. Past tense: minä ostin, sinä ostit, hän osti, me ostimme, te ostitte, he ostivat. Note the change from 'a' to 'i' in the past tense. This is a common pattern for Type 1 verbs ending in -aa.
Negation
When negating 'ostaa', the object always goes into the partitive case. 'En osta kirjaa' (I don't buy the book). This is a mandatory rule in Finnish grammar.

Me emme osta uutta autoa tänä vuonna.

The verb is also used in complex structures like the third infinitive in the illative case: 'Menen ostamaan' (I am going to buy). Here, 'ostamaan' indicates the purpose of going. Mastering these nuances allows you to describe your shopping habits with precision. Whether you are discussing a past purchase, a future plan, or a hypothetical acquisition, ostaa serves as the anchor. It is also important to recognize its role in compound sentences, such as 'Hän säästää rahaa ostaakseen talon' (He saves money in order to buy a house), where the translative case of the long first infinitive with a possessive suffix expresses purpose. This depth of usage makes 'ostaa' an excellent example of how Finnish verbs interact with the entire grammatical system.
You will encounter ostaa in almost every corner of Finnish life, from the quiet aisles of a 'kirjasto' (when they sell old books) to the bustling environment of a 'kauppakeskus' (shopping mall). In advertisements, the word is ubiquitous. You will see signs shouting 'Osta kaksi, maksa yksi!' (Buy two, pay for one!) or 'Osta nyt!' (Buy now!). On Finnish television and radio, commercials for everything from 'vakuutus' (insurance) to 'elintarvikkeet' (groceries) center around this verb.
Social Contexts
In social settings, friends might ask, 'Mistä ostit tuon paidan?' (Where did you buy that shirt?). It is a common conversation starter when discussing fashion, technology, or home decor.

Voitko ostaa maitoa, kun tulet kotiin?

In the workplace, 'ostaa' is used in procurement discussions: 'Meidän täytyy ostaa uusia lisenssejä' (We need to buy new licenses). In the news, you'll hear it in reports about 'yrityskaupat' (corporate acquisitions), where one company 'ostaa' another. Even in Finnish literature and music, the word appears frequently, often symbolizing desire, necessity, or the materialistic nature of modern society.
Flea Markets
Finland has a vibrant 'kirpputori' culture. Here, 'ostaa' is used in bargaining (though bargaining is rare in regular shops). You might hear: 'Voin ostaa tämän viidellä eurolla' (I can buy this for five euros).

Hän tykkää ostaa käytettyjä vaatteita.

Listening for 'ostaa' in these various contexts will help you understand the flow of Finnish commerce and the practicalities of living in Finland. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic needs and complex economic systems, making it an essential part of your auditory vocabulary. Whether you are at a 'kioski', a 'tavaratalo', or browsing an 'app', the familiar sound of 'ostaa' will guide your transactions and interactions.
For English speakers learning Finnish, ostaa presents several pitfalls, primarily related to case government and similar-sounding words. The most common error is using the wrong case for the location. English speakers naturally want to say 'ostaa kaupassa' (buying *in* the shop), but Finnish requires 'ostaa kaupasta' (buying *from* the shop). Using the inessive case (-ssa/-ssä) implies you are inside the shop while performing some other action, but the act of 'buying' is seen as taking the item *out* of the shop's possession.
Case Confusion
Mistaking the partitive and the genitive-accusative for the object is another hurdle. 'Ostan kirja' is incorrect; it must be 'Ostan kirjan' (I buy the book). Conversely, 'Ostan maidon' implies you are buying all the milk available, whereas 'Ostan maitoa' is the correct way to say you are buying some milk.

Incorrect: Ostan leipää kaupassa. Correct: Ostan leipää kaupasta.

Another mistake is confusing 'ostaa' (to buy) with 'myydä' (to sell). While they are opposites, beginners sometimes swap them in the heat of conversation. Additionally, the verb 'maksaa' (to pay/to cost) is often used in the same context, and learners might say 'ostan viisi euroa' when they mean 'maksan viisi euroa'. You don't buy the money; you pay it.
Vowel Harmony
Beginners sometimes forget vowel harmony when adding suffixes. Since 'ostaa' contains 'a', you must use 'ostavat' (they buy), not 'ostävät'.

Incorrect: He ostävät. Correct: He ostavat.

Finally, avoid overusing 'ostaa' for getting things that are free or obtained through other means. For those, use 'hakea' (to fetch) or 'saada' (to get/receive). Paying attention to these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and make your Finnish sound more natural to native speakers.
While ostaa is the most common verb for purchasing, Finnish offers several alternatives depending on the nuance of the transaction. For example, hankkia (to acquire/to get) is often used for larger or more significant purchases, like a house or a new skill, where the focus is on the result of getting something rather than the act of paying for it.
Comparison: Ostaa vs. Hankkia
'Ostaa' is the specific act of exchange. 'Hankkia' is the broader process of acquisition. You buy (ostaa) a ticket, but you acquire (hankkia) a passport.

Aion hankkia uuden harrastuksen.

Another alternative is lunastaa (to redeem/to buy out). This is used for picking up reserved tickets or reclaiming something from a pawn shop. In a business context, tilailla (to order) is frequently used when buying things online or through a catalog.
Register Differences
'Ostaa' is neutral. 'Hommata' is a very common colloquial alternative for 'hankkia' or 'ostaa', meaning 'to get' or 'to fix oneself up with something'.

Pitäisi hommata uudet talvirenkaat.

For high-level or legal contexts, the verb omaksua might be used for adopting/buying into values, though it is less about money. There is also investoida (to invest), which is used when the purchase is seen as a financial placement. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to the situation, whether you are having a casual chat with a friend about a new shirt or discussing corporate strategy. By choosing between 'ostaa', 'hankkia', and 'hommata', you signal your level of fluency and your specific intent, making your Finnish more expressive and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word is so ancient that it predates the concept of money in the region. It originally described the reciprocal exchange of furs, salt, or tools.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈostɑː/
US /ˈostɑː/
Primary stress is always on the first syllable: OS-taa.
韻が合う語
nostaa (to lift) kustaa (to cost - rare/archaic) vastaa (to answer) paskaa (slang) rastaa (thrush - bird) mastaa (mast - partitive) lastaa (to load) kastaa (to baptize/dip)
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the final 'aa' too short, making it sound like the command 'osta'.
  • Adding a 'w' sound at the end (ost-ow).
  • Diphthongizing the 'o' into 'ou'.
  • Failing to pronounce the 's' clearly before the 't'.
  • Incorrect vowel harmony in suffixes (e.g., saying 'ostävät' instead of 'ostavat').

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its short and frequent nature.

ライティング 2/5

Requires knowledge of object cases (partitive vs. genitive).

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation of the long 'aa' is important to distinguish from the imperative.

リスニング 1/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to hear.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

raha kauppa minä hän olla

次に学ぶ

maksaa myydä hinta tarjous kuitti

上級

hankinta kulutus liikevaihto osake investointi

知っておくべき文法

Verb Type 1 Conjugation

ostaa -> ostan, ostat, ostaa...

Object Cases (Partitive vs Genitive)

Ostan maitoa (part) vs Ostan kirjan (gen).

Mistä Rule (Elative/Ablative)

Ostan kaupasta, torilta.

3rd Infinitive (Illative)

Menen ostamaan.

Vowel Harmony

ostavat (back vowels o, a).

レベル別の例文

1

Minä ostan maitoa.

I buy milk.

Maitoa is in the partitive case because it is an uncountable substance.

2

Hän ostaa omenan.

He/she buys an apple.

Omenan is in the genitive-accusative case because it is one whole item.

3

Ostatko sinä leipää?

Do you buy bread?

The suffix -ko creates a question.

4

Me ostamme karkkia.

We buy candy.

Karkkia is in the partitive.

5

Osta tämä kirja!

Buy this book!

Osta is the imperative (command) form.

6

En osta kahvia.

I don't buy coffee.

Negative sentence requires partitive case.

7

Haluaisin ostaa lipun.

I would like to buy a ticket.

Haluaisin is the conditional 'would like'.

8

Mistä sinä ostat vaatteet?

Where do you buy clothes from?

Mistä (from where) triggers the elative or ablative case.

1

Ostin uuden puhelimen eilen.

I bought a new phone yesterday.

Ostin is the past tense (imperfekt).

2

Menen ostamaan ruokaa.

I am going to buy food.

Ostamaan is the 3rd infinitive in the illative case.

3

Ostitko sinä jo liput?

Did you already buy the tickets?

Past tense question.

4

Hän ei ostanut mitään.

He/she didn't buy anything.

Negative past tense (ei + ostanut).

5

Ostamme ruokaa tästä kaupasta.

We buy food from this shop.

Tästä kaupasta is in the elative case.

6

Voitko ostaa minulle jäätelön?

Can you buy me an ice cream?

Minulle is the allative case (to/for me).

7

He ostivat vanhan talon.

They bought an old house.

Past tense plural.

8

Aion ostaa uudet kengät.

I intend to buy new shoes.

Aion (I intend) + 1st infinitive.

1

Jos voittaisin lotossa, ostaisin saaren.

If I won the lottery, I would buy an island.

Conditional mood (voittaisin, ostaisin).

2

Oletko jo ostanut joululahjat?

Have you already bought the Christmas presents?

Perfect tense (olet ostanut).

3

Hän säästää rahaa ostaakseen asunnon.

He/she is saving money to buy an apartment.

Long 1st infinitive + possessive suffix expressing purpose.

4

Täältä voi ostaa tuoreita vihanneksia.

From here one can buy fresh vegetables.

Passive-like 'voi' structure.

5

Onko järkevää ostaa uusi auto nyt?

Is it sensible to buy a new car now?

Infinitive as a subject.

6

Ostin tämän käytettynä kirpputorilta.

I bought this used from a flea market.

Käytettynä is the essive case (as used).

7

Hän haluaa ostaa itselleen enemmän aikaa.

He/she wants to buy themselves more time.

Metaphorical usage.

8

Meidän täytyy ostaa lisää paperia.

We must buy more paper.

Necessive structure (genitive + täytyy + infinitive).

1

Yritys osti kilpailijansa pois markkinoilta.

The company bought its competitor out of the market.

Business context.

2

Monet suosivat luomua, vaikka se maksaa enemmän ostaa.

Many prefer organic, even though it costs more to buy.

Comparing 'maksaa' and 'ostaa'.

3

Hän ei tullut ostetuksi, vaikka yritti kovasti.

He didn't get 'bought' (hired/convinced), even though he tried hard.

Passive past participle.

4

Ostopäätökseen vaikuttavat monet tekijät.

Many factors influence the purchase decision.

Noun derivative 'osto'.

5

Haluatko ostaa palvelun kuukausimaksulla?

Do you want to buy the service with a monthly fee?

Adessive case for 'with/by means of'.

6

Hän osti itsensä ulos sopimuksesta.

He bought himself out of the contract.

Reflexive 'itsensä'.

7

Kuluttajien ostokäyttäytyminen on muuttunut.

Consumer buying behavior has changed.

Compound word 'ostokäyttäytyminen'.

8

Voisitko ostaa tämän idean?

Could you buy (into) this idea?

Abstract usage.

1

Valtio päätti ostaa maata suojelualueeksi.

The state decided to buy land for a conservation area.

Translative case 'suojelualueeksi'.

2

Hän onnistui ostamaan itselleen lisäaikaa neuvotteluissa.

He managed to buy himself extra time in the negotiations.

Nuanced abstract usage.

3

Ostamalla paikallista tuet aluetaloutta.

By buying local, you support the regional economy.

2nd infinitive in the instructive case (ostamalla).

4

Hankinta-asiantuntija ostaa raaka-aineita globaalisti.

The procurement specialist buys raw materials globally.

Professional register.

5

Hän osti hiljaisuuden kalliilla hinnalla.

He bought silence at a high price.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical.

6

Teos on ostettu osaksi kansalliskokoelmaa.

The work has been purchased as part of the national collection.

Passive perfect tense.

7

Ostaessasi tuotetta hyväksyt ehdot.

When buying the product, you accept the terms.

Temporal construction (ostaessasi).

8

Hän ei osta selitystäsi purematta.

He doesn't buy your explanation without question (unchewed).

Idiom 'purematta'.

1

Pörssiyhtiö osti omat osakkeensa takaisin.

The listed company bought back its own shares.

Financial terminology.

2

Hän yritti ostaa tiensä valtaan.

He tried to buy his way into power.

Political idiom.

3

Ostettavissa oleva mainostila on vähentynyt.

The available advertising space has decreased.

Passive present participle in -vissa.

4

Hän osti itselleen mielenrauhan luopumalla omaisuudestaan.

He bought himself peace of mind by giving up his property.

Philosophical usage.

5

Sopimus on ostettu umpeen.

The contract has been bought out (terminated by payment).

Legal/Business idiom.

6

Kansa ei osta hallituksen uutta linjausta.

The people do not buy (accept) the government's new policy.

Sociopolitical usage.

7

Hän osti sikaa säkissä.

He bought a pig in a poke (bought something without inspecting it).

Classic Finnish idiom.

8

Ostovoiman heikkeneminen huolestuttaa taloustieteilijöitä.

The weakening of purchasing power worries economists.

Compound noun 'ostovoima'.

よく使う組み合わせ

ostaa ruokaa
ostaa lahja
ostaa halvalla
ostaa velaksi
ostaa osakkeita
ostaa käytettynä
ostaa netistä
ostaa lippu
ostaa asunnon
ostaa aikaa

よく使うフレーズ

Mitä saisi olla?

— What would you like? (A shopkeeper might ask this before you buy).

Haluaisin ostaa kaksi kahvia.

Osta kaksi, maksa yksi

— Buy two, pay for one. A common marketing slogan.

Tämä on hyvä tarjous: osta kaksi, maksa yksi.

Ostaa sika säkissä

— To buy a pig in a poke. Buying something without seeing it first.

Älä osta sikaa säkissä, tarkista auto ensin.

Haluaisin ostaa...

— I would like to buy... The polite way to start a transaction.

Haluaisin ostaa kertalipun.

Mistä ostit tuon?

— Where did you buy that? A common social question.

Kiva paita! Mistä ostit tuon?

Paljonko se maksaa?

— How much does it cost? Essential before buying.

Haluaisin ostaa tämän, paljonko se maksaa?

Voin ostaa tämän

— I can buy this. Often used when deciding on a purchase.

Voin ostaa tämän, jos se on alennuksessa.

Ostaa omaksi

— To buy for oneself/to own. Often used for renting vs. buying.

On parempi ostaa asunto omaksi.

Ostaa pois

— To buy out or buy up the rest of something.

Ostan loput mansikat pois.

Käydä ostoksilla

— To go shopping. Using the noun derivative.

Lähdetäänkö huomenna käymään ostoksilla?

よく混同される語

ostaa vs myydä

Means 'to sell'. Remember: Buyers (ostajat) buy, Sellers (myyjät) sell.

ostaa vs maksaa

Means 'to pay' or 'to cost'. You pay money (maksaa), you buy things (ostaa).

ostaa vs ottaa

Means 'to take'. Sometimes confused phonetically, but very different meanings.

慣用句と表現

"Ostaa sika säkissä"

— To buy something without inspecting it first, leading to potential disappointment.

Nettihuutokaupassa voi helposti ostaa sikaa säkissä.

Informal
"Ostaa itselleen aikaa"

— To delay a decision or an event to gain more time for preparation.

Poliitikko yritti ostaa aikaa vastaamalla kiertäen.

Neutral
"Ostaa joku ulos"

— To pay someone to leave a position, a partnership, or a contract.

Yritys osti toimitusjohtajan ulos sopimuksesta.

Formal
"Ei osta purematta"

— To not accept an explanation or idea without critical thinking.

Hän ei osta hallituksen selityksiä purematta.

Neutral
"Ostaa hiljaisuus"

— To bribe someone to keep a secret.

Hän yritti ostaa todistajan hiljaisuuden.

Neutral
"Ostaa maine"

— To try to gain a good reputation through money rather than merit.

Mainetta ei voi ostaa, se pitää ansaita.

Neutral
"Ostaa tilaa"

— To create room or opportunity through spending or influence.

Mainostaja ostaa tilaa lehdestä.

Neutral
"Kultaakin kalliimmalla ostettu"

— Something bought at a very high price, often metaphorically referring to sacrifice.

Vapaus on kultaakin kalliimmalla ostettu.

Literary
"Ostaa ääniä"

— To commit voter bribery.

Ehdokasta syytettiin äänien ostamisesta.

Formal
"Ostaa tyhjiä lupauksia"

— To believe in promises that have no substance.

Älä osta heidän tyhjiä lupauksiaan.

Neutral

間違えやすい

ostaa vs nostaa

Sounds similar.

Nostaa means 'to lift' or 'to withdraw (money)'.

Nostan rahaa automaatista ostoksia varten.

ostaa vs vastaa

Sounds similar.

Vastaa means 'to answer'.

Hän vastaa puhelimeen.

ostaa vs kastaa

Sounds similar.

Kastaa means 'to dip' or 'to baptize'.

Kasta leipä keittoon.

ostaa vs lastaa

Sounds similar.

Lastaa means 'to load'.

Mies lastaa autoa.

ostaa vs pastaa

Sounds similar.

Pasto is 'pasta' (partitive case).

Ostan pastaa.

文型パターン

A1

Minä ostan [Object-Partitive/Genitive].

Minä ostan maitoa.

A2

Minä ostin [Object] [Location-sta/lta].

Ostin takin kaupasta.

B1

Haluaisin ostaa [Object].

Haluaisin ostaa auton.

B2

[Subject] säästää ostaakseen [Object].

Hän säästää ostaakseen talon.

C1

Ostamalla [Object] tuet [Something].

Ostamalla kotimaista tuet työllisyyttä.

C2

Ei kannata ostaa sikaa säkissä.

Autoa ostaessa ei kannata ostaa sikaa säkissä.

A1

Osta [Object]!

Osta omena!

B1

Menen ostamaan [Object].

Menen ostamaan leipää.

語族

名詞

ostos (purchase)
ostaja (buyer)
osto (buying/purchase)
ostoskeskus (shopping mall)
ostoskori (shopping basket)

動詞

ostella (to buy frequently/habitually)
ostautua (to get oneself bought/hired)

形容詞

ostettava (buyable)
ostettu (bought)
ostovoimainen (having purchasing power)

関連

kauppa (shop)
hinta (price)
maksaa (to pay)
myydä (to sell)
tavara (good/item)

使い方

frequency

Extremely frequent, among the top 100 most used verbs.

よくある間違い
  • Ostan leipää kaupassa. Ostan leipää kaupasta.

    Buying happens 'from' a place in Finnish logic.

  • Minä osta kirja. Minä ostan kirjan.

    The verb must be conjugated and the object must be in the genitive case.

  • He ostävät autoa. He ostavat auton.

    Vowel harmony (a/o) and object case (buying one whole car).

  • En osta kirjan. En osta kirjaa.

    Negative sentences require the partitive case for the object.

  • Ostin sen Mikossa. Ostin sen Mikolta.

    Buying from a person requires the ablative case (-lta).

ヒント

The 'n' ending

When buying one specific item, remember to add 'n' to the end of the noun (genitive case).

Haggling

Don't haggle in Finnish supermarkets or department stores; it's not culturally standard.

Buy vs Get

Use 'hankkia' for more significant acquisitions like a house or a pet.

Politeness

Use 'Haluaisin ostaa' to sound more polite when interacting with staff.

Negation

In negative sentences (en osta), the object is ALWAYS partitive.

Osta vs Ostaa

Listen for the length of the final 'a'. Long 'aa' is the infinitive; short 'a' is a command.

Vowel Harmony

Always use 'a' and 'o' in endings, never 'ä' or 'ö' with this verb.

Kirpputori

Flea markets are the best place to practice 'ostaa' in a more dynamic environment.

Mistä Question

Always ask yourself 'Mistä?' (From where?) when using this verb.

Osta-Apple

Osta sounds like 'Order'. Order Some Tasty Apples.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'OSTA' as 'Order Some Tasty Apples'. When you OSTA, you exchange money for goods.

視覚的連想

Imagine a large 'O' shaped coin being handed over a counter to a merchant who is holding a 'STAA' (a staff or stick) to mark the price.

Word Web

kauppa raha hinta kuitti myyjä asiakas alennus pankkikortti

チャレンジ

Go to a Finnish store or website and identify 5 things you would like to 'ostaa'. Write them down in sentences like 'Haluaisin ostaa...'

語源

The word 'ostaa' has deep Proto-Finnic roots, inherited from Proto-Uralic. It is related to words in other Uralic languages, such as Estonian 'ostma' and Northern Sami 'oastit'.

元の意味: The original meaning was likely 'to trade' or 'to exchange', reflecting ancient barter systems before the adoption of currency.

Uralic / Finnic

文化的な背景

Be aware that discussing how much you 'ostit' something for can be seen as bragging in some modest Finnish circles, though it is generally acceptable.

Unlike in some English-speaking cultures where shopping is a social 'outing', Finns often view it as a task to be completed efficiently, though 'shoppailla' is becoming more common among younger generations.

The song 'Ostakaa makkaraa' (Buy sausage) is a humorous classic. Commonly used in Finnish proverbs about greed and wisdom. Ubiquitous in the slogan 'Osta työtä Suomeen' (Buy work for Finland).

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Grocery Shopping

  • Ostan leipää.
  • Missä on maito?
  • Ostan tämän.
  • Tarvitsen pussin.

Online Shopping

  • Lisää ostoskoriin.
  • Osta nyt.
  • Tilaus on maksettu.
  • Toimituskulut.

Flea Markets

  • Mitä tämä maksaa?
  • Voin ostaa tämän viidellä eurolla.
  • Onko tämä ehjä?
  • Ostan tämän.

Ticket Office

  • Haluaisin ostaa lipun.
  • Yksi aikuinen, kiitos.
  • Mihin aikaan bussi lähtee?
  • Voinko maksaa kortilla?

Business

  • Teemme ostopäätöksen huomenna.
  • Ostamme palveluita ulkopuolelta.
  • Hankintasopimus.
  • Budjetti.

会話のきっかけ

"Mitä sinä tykkäät ostaa kirpputorilta?"

"Oletko koskaan ostanut mitään todella kallista?"

"Mistä ostat yleensä ruokasi?"

"Haluaisitko ostaa uuden asunnon tänä vuonna?"

"Mitä ostit viimeksi netistä?"

日記のテーマ

Kirjoita päivästäsi kaupungilla. Mitä ostit ja mistä?

Pohdi, onko nykyään liian helppoa ostaa asioita netistä.

Mitä haluaisit ostaa, jos voittaisit miljoona euroa?

Kuvaile tärkeintä asiaa, jonka olet koskaan ostanut.

Miten suomalaisten ostokäyttäytyminen eroaa kotimaasi tavoista?

よくある質問

10 問

You must say 'ostaa kaupasta'. In Finnish, you buy things 'out of' a location, not 'in' it. The elative case (-sta) is required.

The past tense is 'osti'. For example: 'Minä ostin' (I bought). The 'aa' changes to 'i'.

Use 'maitoa' (partitive) for an indefinite amount. Use 'maidon' (genitive) if you are buying a specific, whole container or all the milk.

You can say 'Menen ostoksille' or 'Menen shoppailemaan'.

It is a Type 1 verb. The 'st' does not change (no consonant gradation of 'st'), so it is relatively stable.

Yes, just like in English, you can say 'En osta tuota selitystä' (I don't buy that explanation).

It is a noun meaning 'a purchase'. 'Tehdä ostoksia' means 'to do shopping'.

Use the ablative case: 'Osta minulta'.

It means 'to buy time', i.e., to delay something.

It is informal. Use 'ostaa' or 'tehdä ostoksia' in more formal or neutral situations.

自分をテスト 190 問

writing

Write 'I buy bread from the shop.' in Finnish.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'He bought a new car yesterday.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'I would like to buy two tickets.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'We are going to buy food.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'Don't buy that!' (singular)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'Where did you buy those shoes?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'I have already bought the presents.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'If I were rich, I would buy a house.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'It is important to buy local food.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'The company bought its competitor.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'I don't buy your explanation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'They buy clothes from the flea market.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'Can you buy milk for me?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'I want to buy a ticket to Helsinki.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'We bought this used.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'Buying is fun.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'She saves money to buy a bike.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'Buy two, pay one.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'I'll buy it for five euros.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write 'They didn't buy anything.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I buy milk' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Where did you buy that?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I would like to buy a ticket.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I bought it from the market.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'We buy food from the shop.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I don't buy that.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Did you buy coffee?'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am going to buy bread.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I bought this for you.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I would buy it if I could.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'They are buying a house.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Buy it now!'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I have bought a new car.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'Where can I buy a ticket?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I bought it used.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'We bought too much.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I'm going to buy some milk.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'What are you buying?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I didn't buy a car.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say 'I buy everything online.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Identify the verb in: 'Hän osti uuden puhelimen.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

What is being bought: 'Ostan kaksi omenaa.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Where is it from: 'Ostin tämän kaupasta.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Is it past or present: 'Ostan ruokaa.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Is it past or present: 'Ostimme talon.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Who is buying: 'He ostavat karkkia.'?

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listening

Is it positive or negative: 'En osta sitä.'?

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listening

What tense is: 'Olisin ostanut.'?

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listening

Identify the destination: 'Menen ostamaan maitoa.'?

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listening

What is the price mentioned: 'Ostan sen kympillä.'?

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listening

Does the person have the item: 'Olen ostanut sen.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Is it a command: 'Osta se!'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Who is the seller: 'Ostan sen sinulta.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Is it specific: 'Ostan kirjan.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

What is being bought: 'Ostamme liput.'?

正解! おしい! 正解:
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/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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