뜻
To follow through on a promise.
문화적 배경
In Finland, silence is often preferred over empty words. If someone speaks a promise, it is considered a heavy commitment. Breaking it can damage a reputation for years. Finnish business culture is low-context. This means that 'pitää sanansa' is expected literally. If a deadline is set, it is a promise, not a suggestion. Historically, the 'puukko' (Finnish knife) culture sometimes involved violent disputes if a man's word was questioned or broken, highlighting the extreme value of honor. On Finnish social media, 'pitää sanansa' is often used to praise influencers or companies that follow through on giveaways or public commitments.
The Suffix is Key
Never forget the possessive suffix. 'Pitää sana' sounds like a broken robot. 'Pitää sanansa' sounds like a Finn.
Don't Overuse
It's a strong phrase. If you use it for tiny things, you might sound too intense or dramatic.
뜻
To follow through on a promise.
The Suffix is Key
Never forget the possessive suffix. 'Pitää sana' sounds like a broken robot. 'Pitää sanansa' sounds like a Finn.
Don't Overuse
It's a strong phrase. If you use it for tiny things, you might sound too intense or dramatic.
The Handshake
In Finland, a verbal agreement is often as good as a contract. If you say you'll do something, people will expect it without a reminder.
Opposite
Learn 'syödä sanansa' (to eat one's words) at the same time to double your vocabulary efficiency.
셀프 테스트
Fill in the correct form of 'pitää sanansa' with the appropriate possessive suffix.
Minä lupasin auttaa, ja minä ______ ______.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb is 'pidän' and the suffix is '-ni'.
Which sentence means 'He didn't keep his word'?
Valitse oikea vaihtoehto:
'Ei pitänyt sanaansa' is the direct negation, and 'söi sanansa' is the idiom for breaking a promise.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Lupasit tulla kotiin ajoissa!' B: 'Tiedän, ja aion ______ ______.'
The speaker is confirming they will keep their promise.
Match the phrase to the situation.
A politician takes back a promise they made during the campaign.
'Syödä sanansa' is used when someone goes back on a promise.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
Pitää vs. Syödä
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Minä lupasin auttaa, ja minä ______ ______.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb is 'pidän' and the suffix is '-ni'.
Valitse oikea vaihtoehto:
'Ei pitänyt sanaansa' is the direct negation, and 'söi sanansa' is the idiom for breaking a promise.
A: 'Lupasit tulla kotiin ajoissa!' B: 'Tiedän, ja aion ______ ______.'
The speaker is confirming they will keep their promise.
A politician takes back a promise they made during the campaign.
'Syödä sanansa' is used when someone goes back on a promise.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, 'pitää lupauksensa' is perfectly correct and means the same thing, but 'pitää sanansa' is more idiomatic and common.
In a sentence, it's almost always 'sanansa' (or sanani, sanasi, etc.). 'Pitää sana' is just the dictionary form.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your spouse, or a stranger.
It means to break a promise or retract a statement, usually in a way that makes the person look unreliable.
No, 'pitää' can also mean 'to like' or 'must'. Context is everything!
Yes, it is a core value in Finnish business. Reliability is highly prized.
No, that sounds incomplete. You need the possessive suffix: 'hän pitää sanansa'.
Younger people might say 'se hoitaa' (he handles it) or 'se on legit' (he's legit), but 'pitää sanansa' is still widely understood.
You say 'Minä lupaan'. After you do what you promised, you can say 'Minä pidin sanani'.
It can be a bit aggressive. It's like saying 'You better keep your word.' Use it only if you are serious.
관련 표현
syödä sanansa
contrastTo go back on a promise.
seistä sanojensa takana
similarTo stand behind one's words.
antaa sanansa
builds onTo give one's word (to promise).
sanansa mittainen mies
specialized formA man as good as his word.
pysyä lupauksessaan
synonymTo stay in one's promise.
