A1 verb 12분 분량

ajatella

When you're just starting out with Finnish, learning how to express simple actions is key. The verb ajatella is one of those essential words, meaning 'to think'.

You'll use it in everyday situations, whether you're talking about thinking about something, someone, or simply thinking in general.

It's a foundational verb for building more complex sentences as you progress. Mastering verbs like this early on helps you communicate more effectively.

You use ajatella when you want to say that you are thinking about something or someone. This verb is super useful in many everyday situations.

For example, you can say Minä ajattelen sinua, which means 'I am thinking of you.' Or, if you're trying to make a decision, you might say Minun täytyy ajatella, meaning 'I need to think.'

It’s a regular verb, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern, making it easy to learn once you get the hang of it.

Keep practicing with different sentences, and you'll master ajatella in no time!

When you want to express the act of thinking in Finnish, the verb you'll use is 'ajatella.' It's a regular verb and can be used in many common situations.

For example, you can say 'Minä ajattelen' to mean 'I think' or 'He ajattelevat' for 'They think.' It's a fundamental word for discussing thoughts and ideas.

Remember, 'ajatella' focuses on the mental process itself, not necessarily deep contemplation or a specific opinion, though it can be used for that as well depending on context. Practice using it in simple sentences to get comfortable with its conjugation.

When you're trying to figure out how to say "to think" in Finnish, the word you're looking for is ajatella. This is a very common verb, and it's essential for expressing thoughts, opinions, and plans.

It's a regular verb, which means its conjugation follows predictable patterns. You'll use it in many different contexts, from simple statements like "I think so" to more complex sentences about pondering deep ideas.

Remember that Finnish is a language where context often guides meaning, and ajatella is a prime example of a verb with broad applicability. Mastering this word early on will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Finnish.

§ What 'ajatella' means

Definition
to think

In Finnish, the verb ajatella (pronounced ah-yah-tel-lah) means "to think." It's a fundamental verb you'll use constantly to express thoughts, opinions, and intentions. Just like in English, you use it when you're considering something, forming an idea, or even reflecting on a past event.

Understanding ajatella is key because thinking is such a common human activity. You'll use it in everyday conversations, whether you're planning your day, discussing a topic, or simply expressing a personal opinion. It's a versatile verb that applies to many different situations.

§ When do people use 'ajatella'?

People use ajatella in a wide range of contexts. Here are some common situations:

  • Expressing opinions: When you want to share what you believe or feel about something.
  • Making plans: When you're considering future actions or decisions.
  • Reflecting: When you're thinking back on past events or experiences.
  • Problem-solving: When you're trying to figure something out.
  • Considering possibilities: When you're weighing different options.

Let's look at some examples to make this clearer. Remember, the core meaning is always "to think," but the nuance can change depending on the context.

Minä ajattelen sinua.

Translation Hint
I think of you. (Here, it expresses a feeling or thought directed towards someone.)

Mitä sinä ajattelet tästä?

Translation Hint
What do you think about this? (Asking for an opinion.)

Hän ajatella matkustaa ensi vuonna.

Translation Hint
He/She is thinking of traveling next year. (Expressing an intention or plan.)

You'll notice that the form of ajatella changes. This is due to Finnish verb conjugation, which we'll cover in more detail later. For now, focus on understanding the core meaning and when to use it.

It's important to remember that ajatella is an active verb. It implies an ongoing mental process. If you're simply stating a fact or a belief, other verbs might be more appropriate, but for the act of thinking itself, ajatella is your go-to word.

So, whether you're pondering a complex problem or just considering what to have for dinner, ajatella is the verb you'll use. Start listening for it in Finnish conversations and try to incorporate it into your own sentences. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

§ Understanding 'ajatella'

The Finnish verb 'ajatella' means 'to think'. It's a common verb, and you'll hear and use it a lot. Learning how to use it correctly is crucial for expressing your thoughts and opinions in Finnish.

Type
Verb
CEFR Level
A1

Minä ajattelen sinua.

Translation hint
I think of you.

§ Basic Conjugation

'Ajatella' is a regular Type 3 verb in Finnish. This means its stem changes when conjugated. Here's a quick look at its present tense:

  • Minä ajattelen (I think)
  • Sinä ajattelet (You think - singular informal)
  • Hän ajattelee (He/She thinks)
  • Me ajattelemme (We think)
  • Te ajattelette (You think - plural/formal)
  • He ajattelevat (They think)

§ Thinking about something (partitive case)

When you think about something or someone, you use the partitive case for the object of your thought. This is a very common use of 'ajatella'.

Minä ajattelen kesää.

Translation hint
I think about summer.

He ajattelevat lapsia.

Translation hint
They think about the children.

§ Thinking that something is true (that-clause)

When you want to express 'I think that...' you use the verb 'ajatella' followed by a 'että'-clause. 'Että' means 'that'.

Minä ajattelen, että se on hyvä idea.

Translation hint
I think that it is a good idea.

Hän ajattelee, että sataa huomenna.

Translation hint
He/She thinks that it will rain tomorrow.

§ Thinking about doing something (maan/mään form)

If you are thinking about doing something, you use the illative or allative case of the third infinitive, which often ends in '-maan' or '-mään'. This expresses intention or consideration.

Minä ajattelen mennä kauppaan.

Translation hint
I am thinking of going to the shop.

He ajattelevat ostaa uuden auton.

Translation hint
They are thinking of buying a new car.

§ Common phrases with 'ajatella'

Here are some useful phrases:

  • Mitä ajattelet? - What do you think?
  • Minun mielestäni ajattelen... - In my opinion, I think... (literally: From my mind I think...)
  • Ajattele positiivisesti! - Think positively!

Ajattele tarkasti ennen kuin teet päätöksen.

Translation hint
Think carefully before you make a decision.

§ Summary of usage

To summarize, 'ajatella' is a versatile verb. The key is to pay attention to the case of the noun or the structure of the clause that follows it.

  • Thinking about a noun/pronoun: Use the partitive case for the object. (e.g., ajatella kesää - to think about summer)
  • Thinking that something is true: Use 'että' + a clause. (e.g., ajatella, että sataa - to think that it will rain)
  • Thinking about doing an action: Use the '-maan' or '-mään' form of the verb. (e.g., ajatella mennä - to think of going)

§ What 'ajatella' means

Finnish Word
ajatella
Part of Speech
Verb
CEFR Level
A1
Definition
to think

The verb 'ajatella' is fundamental in Finnish. It means 'to think'. You'll hear this word constantly because thinking is something we all do, no matter where we are or what we're doing. Let's look at how you'll encounter it in everyday situations, from your job to school and even the news.

§ 'Ajatella' at work

In a work setting, 'ajatella' is used when discussing ideas, plans, or problems. It's a key word for collaboration and decision-making.

  • When brainstorming or suggesting ideas:

    Mitä sinä ajatella tästä ideasta?

    What do you think about this idea?

  • When someone needs time to consider something:

    Minun täytyy ajatella tätä asiaa.

    I need to think about this matter.

  • When discussing future plans:

    Meidän pitää ajatella uusia strategioita.

    We need to think of new strategies.

§ 'Ajatella' in school

In an educational context, 'ajatella' is crucial for learning, problem-solving, and expressing opinions.

  • When students are asked to reflect:

    Opiskelijoiden täytyy ajatella kriittisesti.

    Students must think critically.

  • When a teacher asks for a student's opinion:

    Mitä sinä ajatella tästä kirjasta?

    What do you think about this book?

  • When solving a problem:

    Yritän ajatella vastausta.

    I am trying to think of an answer.

§ 'Ajatella' in the news

News reports often use 'ajatella' to convey public opinion, expert analysis, or the thoughts of individuals involved in a story.

  • When reporting on public sentiment:

    Ihmiset ajatella hallituksen päätöksestä eri tavoin.

    People think differently about the government's decision.

  • When quoting someone's view:

    Asiantuntija ajatella, että tilanne paranee.

    The expert thinks that the situation will improve.

  • When discussing implications or future outcomes:

    Miten tämä tulee ajatella tulevaisuutta?

    How will this affect (literally: how will this be thought of regarding) the future?

As you can see, 'ajatella' is a highly versatile verb that you'll encounter everywhere. Pay attention to the context to understand exactly what kind of 'thinking' is being referred to. Practice using it in simple sentences, and you'll quickly become comfortable with it.

§ Don't confuse 'ajatella' with 'luulla' or 'mielestäni'

Many English speakers learning Finnish sometimes mix up 'ajatella' with other words that express similar ideas in English, like 'to suppose' or 'in my opinion'. While these can sometimes overlap in meaning, it's important to understand the nuances to sound natural.

luulla (to suppose, to guess)
'Luulla' implies a guess, an assumption, or a belief that might not be true. It's less about active thinking and more about what you presume.

Minä luulen, että sataa.

I suppose/guess that it's raining. (You don't know for sure, you're making an assumption.)

Minä ajattelen sadetta.

I am thinking about the rain. (You are actively processing thoughts about it.)

mielestäni (in my opinion)
'Mielestäni' is a phrase used to express an opinion. While an opinion comes from thinking, 'mielestäni' is a fixed expression and isn't a verb like 'ajatella'.

Mielestäni se on hyvä idea.

In my opinion, it's a good idea.

§ Using the correct case with 'ajatella'

Another common mistake is using the wrong case for the object of 'ajatella'. In Finnish, the verb 'ajatella' usually takes the partitive case for its object, especially when talking about thinking about something generally or abstractly.

Minä ajattelen sinua.

I am thinking of you. (Here, 'sinua' is in the partitive case.)

Hän ajattelee tulevaisuutta.

He/She is thinking about the future. ('tulevaisuutta' is partitive.)

§ Overusing 'ajatella' where a simpler verb works

Sometimes learners over-rely on 'ajatella' when a more specific or simpler verb would be more natural in Finnish. Think about what you're trying to express and see if there's a more direct Finnish equivalent.

  • Instead of: Minä ajattelen tehdä sen. (I am thinking to do it.)
    Better: Aion tehdä sen. (I am going to do it / I intend to do it.)
  • Instead of: Hän ajattelee, että se on vaikeaa. (He thinks that it is difficult.)
    Better: Hänestä se on vaikeaa. (To him, it is difficult.) or Hän on sitä mieltä, että se on vaikeaa. (He is of the opinion that it is difficult.)

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can use 'ajatella' more accurately and effectively in your Finnish conversations. Keep practicing and paying attention to how native speakers use these words in different contexts.

§ The basics of ajatella

The verb 'ajatella' is fundamental in Finnish, meaning 'to think'. It's a regular verb, which makes it easier to conjugate. You'll use it in many everyday situations.

Finnish Word
ajatella
Part of Speech
Verb
CEFR Level
A1
Definition
to think

§ How to use ajatella

You can use 'ajatella' to express the act of thinking, pondering, or having an opinion. It's quite versatile.

Minä ajattelen sinua.

Hint
I think of you.

Mitä sinä ajatat?

Hint
What are you thinking?

Hän ajattelee paljon.

Hint
He/She thinks a lot.
💡
Remember that Finnish verbs often change their endings based on the subject (who is doing the action). This is called conjugation. For 'ajatella', the stem 'ajattele-' is used, and then different personal endings are added.

§ Conjugation of ajatella (present tense)

Here's how 'ajatella' changes in the present tense:

  • Minä ajattelen (I think)

  • Sinä ajattelet (You think)

  • Hän/Se ajattelee (He/She/It thinks)

  • Me ajattelemme (We think)

  • Te ajattelette (You plural/formal think)

  • He/Ne ajattelevat (They think)

§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives

While 'ajatella' is your go-to for 'to think', Finnish has other words that express similar concepts. Understanding the nuances will make your Finnish more precise.

Let's look at some:

  • Mietiä: to ponder, to consider deeply.

    'Mietiä' implies a more active and often longer process of thinking. You're weighing options, reflecting, or concentrating deeply on something. Think of it as 'to contemplate' or 'to mull over'.

    Minun täytyy miettiä tätä asiaa.

    Hint
    I need to think about this matter (ponder, consider).

    If you're making a big decision, you would use 'mietiä'. If you're just having a thought, 'ajatella' is better.

  • Pohtia: to reflect, to deliberate.

    'Pohtia' is very close to 'mietiä' and often used interchangeably, but it can emphasize the process of analyzing or scrutinizing a topic. It often suggests a more structured or analytical way of thinking.

    He pohtivat ongelmaa yhdessä.

    Hint
    They deliberated the problem together.

    You might 'pohtia' a philosophical question or a complex work problem.

  • Ajatella vs. Luulla: to think (have an opinion) vs. to believe (possibly mistakenly).

    This is an important distinction. While 'ajatella' can mean 'to have an opinion' or 'to suppose', 'luulla' specifically means 'to believe' or 'to suppose', often with the implication that the belief might be incorrect. It's like 'to guess' or 'to assume'.

    Minä ajattelen, että se on hyvä idea.

    Hint
    I think (I have the opinion) that it's a good idea.

    Minä luulin, että sinä tulit myöhemmin.

    Hint
    I thought (mistakenly believed) that you would come later.
    💡
    When in doubt, start with 'ajatella'. As you get more comfortable, you can introduce 'mietiä' and 'pohtia' for deeper thought processes and 'luulla' when there's an element of uncertainty or potential error in your belief.

    In summary:

    • Ajatella: General 'to think', 'to have an opinion'.

    • Mietiä: To ponder, to consider deeply, to reflect on a decision.

    • Pohtia: To deliberate, to analyze, to scrutinize a topic.

    • Luulla: To believe, to suppose, often with the implication of being wrong.

    By understanding these differences, you'll be able to express your thoughts in Finnish with greater accuracy and naturalness. Keep practicing, and these nuances will become second nature!

How Formal Is It?

격식체

"Pyydän teitä harkitsemaan ehdotustamme huolellisesti. (I ask you to carefully consider our proposal.)"

중립

"Minun täytyy ajatella asiaa. (I need to think about the matter.)"

비격식체

"Mitä sä mietit? (What are you thinking about?)"

Child friendly

"Pohdimme, mikä lelu olisi kivoin. (We are pondering which toy would be the nicest.)"

속어

"Pähkäilen tässä, mitä ruokaa tekisin. (I'm mulling over what food to make here.)"

재미있는 사실

This word is a good example of how Finnish verbs are often formed with suffixes that can slightly change their meaning. The -ella/-ellä suffix often indicates a continuous or repeated action.

난이도

독해 1/5

short

쓰기 1/5

short

말하기 1/5

short

듣기 1/5

short

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

minä sinä hän mitä

다음에 배울 것

tietää uskoa ymmärtää

고급

miettiä pohtia harkita

알아야 할 문법

The verb 'ajatella' often takes the partitive case for the object of thinking. This means the word you are thinking about will be in the partitive form.

Minä ajattelen sinua. (I think of you.)

When expressing that you are thinking about doing something, 'ajatella' is followed by the first infinitive with the -A/E suffix (often called the illative or 'mA' infinitive, though here it functions as an object).

Minä ajattelen mennä kauppaan. (I am thinking of going to the shop.)

You can use 'ajatella' with a 'että' (that) clause to express what you think. This is similar to 'I think that...'.

Ajattelen, että se on hyvä idea. (I think that it is a good idea.)

The past tense of 'ajatella' is 'ajattelin' (I thought), 'ajattelit' (you thought), etc. It's a regular -tella/-della verb, so the stem changes slightly.

Hän ajatteli paljon. (He/She thought a lot.)

When talking about thinking in a general or continuous sense, 'ajatella' can be used with adverbs like 'paljon' (a lot) or 'usein' (often).

Ajattelen usein menneisyyttä. (I often think about the past.)

수준별 예문

1

Minä ajattelen paljon.

I think a lot.

Minä = I, ajattelen = think (first person singular), paljon = a lot.

2

Sinä ajattelet hyvää.

You think good (things).

Sinä = You, ajattelet = think (second person singular), hyvää = good (partitive case).

3

Hän ajattelee nyt.

He/she thinks now.

Hän = He/she, ajattelee = thinks (third person singular), nyt = now.

4

Me ajattelemme asiaa.

We think about the matter.

Me = We, ajattelemme = think (first person plural), asiaa = matter (partitive case).

5

Te ajattelette myös.

You (plural/formal) think too.

Te = You (plural/formal), ajattelette = think (second person plural), myös = too/also.

6

He ajattelevat työtä.

They think about work.

He = They, ajattelevat = think (third person plural), työtä = work (partitive case).

7

Mitä sinä ajattelet?

What do you think?

Mitä = What, sinä = you, ajattelet = think.

8

En ajattele huomenna.

I don't think tomorrow.

En = I don't (negative verb for 'minä'), ajattele = think, huomenna = tomorrow.

1

Minun täytyy ajatella tätä asiaa huolellisesti ennen päätöksen tekemistä.

I need to think about this matter carefully before making a decision.

Possessive suffix '-n' on 'minun' (my). 'tätä asiaa' (this matter) is in partitive case. 'ennen päätöksen tekemistä' (before making a decision) uses the genitive of the noun 'päätös' (decision) and the illative of the third infinitive of 'tehdä' (to do/make).

2

Mitä sinä ajattelet tulevaisuudesta?

What do you think about the future?

'Mitä' (what) is in partitive case. 'tulevaisuudesta' (about the future) is in elative case.

3

Hän ajattelee usein matkustamista ja uusiin paikkoihin tutustumista.

He often thinks about traveling and getting to know new places.

'matkustamista' (traveling) and 'tutustumista' (getting to know) are in partitive case. 'uusiin paikkoihin' (new places) is in illative case.

4

Emme voi ajatella vain itseämme, vaan meidän on otettava huomioon myös muiden tarpeet.

We cannot think only of ourselves, but we must also consider the needs of others.

'itseämme' (ourselves) is in partitive case with a possessive suffix. 'meidän on otettava huomioon' (we must consider) uses the genitive of 'me' (we) and the passive participle of 'ottaa' (to take). 'muiden tarpeet' (the needs of others) uses the genitive plural of 'muu' (other) and the plural of 'tarve' (need).

5

Voitko ajatella ratkaisua tähän ongelmaan?

Can you think of a solution to this problem?

'ratkaisua' (a solution) and 'ongelmaan' (to this problem) are in partitive and illative cases, respectively.

6

Minä ajattelen, että tämä on hyvä idea.

I think that this is a good idea.

'että' (that) introduces a subordinate clause.

7

Älä ajattele liikaa, vaan toimi!

Don't think too much, but act!

'Älä ajattele' (don't think) is a negative imperative. 'liikaa' (too much) is an adverb. 'toimi' (act!) is an imperative.

8

On tärkeää ajatella kriittisesti ja kyseenalaistaa asioita.

It is important to think critically and question things.

'kriittisesti' (critically) is an adverb. 'kyseenalaistaa asioita' (to question things) uses the partitive plural of 'asia' (thing).

자주 혼동되는 단어

ajatella vs tuntea

To know (a person, place, or feeling).

ajatella vs osata

To know how to do something (a skill).

ajatella vs katsoa

To look at (an active, intentional action).

관용어 및 표현

"ajatella ääneen"

to think aloud

Ajattelinpa vain ääneen. (I was just thinking aloud.)

neutral

"ajatella positiivisesti"

to think positively

Yritä ajatella positiivisesti. (Try to think positively.)

neutral

"ajatella jtk jollakin tavalla"

to think of something in some way

Mitä sinä ajattelet tästä asiasta? (What do you think of this matter?)

neutral

"ajatella toisin"

to think differently

Hän ajattelee aina toisin kuin minä. (He always thinks differently than me.)

neutral

"ajatella asiaa uudelleen"

to rethink something

Minun täytyy ajatella asiaa uudelleen. (I need to rethink the matter.)

neutral

"ajatella itseään"

to think of oneself

Hän ajattelee vain itseään. (He only thinks of himself.)

neutral

"ajatella jotakuta"

to think of someone

Ajattelen sinua usein. (I often think of you.)

neutral

"ajatella kahdesti"

to think twice

Sinun kannattaa ajatella kahdesti ennen kuin teet päätöksen. (You should think twice before making a decision.)

neutral

"eikä siinä sen enempää ajateltavaa"

nothing more to think about

Asia on selvä, eikä siinä sen enempää ajateltavaa. (The matter is clear, and there's nothing more to think about.)

neutral

"ajatella, että..."

to think that...

Ajattelin, että tulisit mukaan. (I thought that you would come along.)

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

ajatella vs tietää

Often confused with 'tuntea' (to know a person/place) and 'osata' (to know how to do something). 'Tietää' specifically means to know a fact or information.

'Tietää' is for factual knowledge. 'Tuntea' is for familiarity with people or places. 'Osata' is for knowing a skill.

Minä tiedän, että Helsinki on Suomen pääkaupunki. (I know that Helsinki is the capital of Finland.)

ajatella vs nähdä

Can be confused with 'katsoa' (to look at). 'Nähdä' implies passively seeing something, while 'katsoa' implies an active, intentional act of looking.

'Nähdä' is about perception, 'katsoa' is about observation.

Näen sinut. (I see you.)

ajatella vs sanoa

Often confused with 'kertoa' (to tell). 'Sanoa' is generally about uttering words, while 'kertoa' is about conveying information or a story.

'Sanoa' is about the act of speaking, 'kertoa' is about the content being communicated.

Minä sanon 'hei'. (I say 'hi'.)

ajatella vs mennä

Can be confused with 'kävellä' (to walk). 'Mennä' is a general verb for going, by any means of transport, while 'kävellä' specifically means to go on foot.

'Mennä' is broader, 'kävellä' is specific to walking.

Minä menen kauppaan. (I go to the shop.)

ajatella vs olla

The verb 'olla' (to be) is fundamental but its uses with prepositions and cases can be tricky for English speakers, as direct translations don't always apply.

Its usage is often idiomatic and depends heavily on the context, especially with location and possession.

Minä olen kotona. (I am at home.)

어휘 가족

명사

ajatus thought, idea
ajattelu thinking (the act of)
ajattelija thinker

형용사

ajatteleva thinking (present participle)
ajattelematon thoughtless

암기하기

기억법

Imagine an 'ajattelija' (thinker) sitting and 'ajatella' (thinking) deeply.

시각적 연상

Picture a thought bubble above someone's head, and inside it, the word 'ajatella' is written, emphasizing the act of thinking.

Word Web

miettiä (to ponder) pohtia (to consider) ajatteleminen (thinking - noun) ajatus (a thought) ajatella ääneen (to think aloud)

챌린지

Try to form simple sentences using 'ajatella'. For example: 'Minä ajattelen.' (I think.) or 'Mitä sinä ajattelet?' (What do you think?)

어원

Proto-Finnic *ajattella-

원래 의미: to consider, to think

Uralic

문화적 맥락

When Finns say 'ajatella,' it's often a direct reference to the act of mental processing, without much added nuance. It's a straightforward term you'll hear in everyday conversations.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Expressing an opinion or belief

  • Minä ajattelen, että...
  • Luulen, että...
  • Mitä sinä ajattelet tästä?

Considering something for the future

  • Minun pitää ajatella tätä asiaa.
  • Ajattelen matkustaa Suomeen ensi vuonna.
  • Olen ajatellut uutta työpaikkaa.

Reflecting on past events

  • Ajattelen usein lapsuuttani.
  • Kun ajattelen sitä, se oli hauskaa.
  • Hän ajattelee vanhoja aikoja.

Asking someone's thoughts

  • Mitä ajattelet?
  • Mitä mieltä olet?
  • Ajatteletko samoin?

When something is on your mind

  • Ajattelen sinua.
  • Minulla on paljon ajateltavaa.
  • Se pyörii mielessäni.

대화 시작하기

"Mitä ajattelet säästä tänään? (What do you think about the weather today?)"

"Oletko ajatellut lomaa? (Have you thought about a holiday?)"

"Mitä ajattelet tästä kirjasta? (What do you think about this book?)"

"Ajatteletko usein menneitä? (Do you often think about the past?)"

"Mitä ajattelet uudesta elokuvasta? (What do you think about the new movie?)"

일기 주제

Mitä ajattelen elämästäni juuri nyt? (What do I think about my life right now?)

Mitä ajattelin eilen? (What did I think yesterday?)

Mitä ajattelen tulevaisuudesta? (What do I think about the future?)

Mitä ajattelen oppiessani suomea? (What do I think when learning Finnish?)

Mitä ajattelen, kun olen yksin? (What do I think when I am alone?)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

ajatella is a regular verb. Here's how it conjugates in the present tense:

  • Minä ajattelen (I think)
  • Sinä ajattelet (You think)
  • Hän ajattelee (He/She thinks)
  • Me ajattelemme (We think)
  • Te ajattelette (You [plural/formal] think)
  • He ajattelevat (They think)

Both mean 'to think.' Ajatella is more general, like 'to have an opinion' or 'to believe.' Miettiä is more about 'to ponder,' 'to consider,' or 'to reflect.' For example:

  • Minä ajattelen, että se on hyvä idea. (I think that it's a good idea.)
  • Minä mietin, mitä tekisin. (I'm thinking/pondering what to do.)

Yes, 'ajatella' can also carry the meaning of 'to intend' or 'to plan' in certain contexts, especially when followed by an infinitive. For example:

  • Minä ajattelen mennä kauppaan. (I'm thinking/planning to go to the shop.)

Ajatella means 'to think' in a more considered way or to have an opinion. Luulla means 'to think' in the sense of 'to assume' or 'to guess,' often implying uncertainty or that the thought might be wrong. For example:

  • Minä ajattelen, että hän on mukava. (I think he is nice.)
  • Minä luulen, että sataa. (I think/guess it's going to rain.)

Yes, a very common one is 'Mitä sinä ajattelet?' (What do you think?) You'll hear this a lot. Another is 'Ajatella!' (To think!), used as an exclamation of surprise or disbelief.

The most common way to say 'I think so' is 'Luulen niin.' (I guess so.) While 'Ajattelen niin' is grammatically correct, 'Luulen niin' is far more natural when expressing an assumption or belief. If you want to say 'I believe that to be true' in a more definite sense, you could use 'Olen sitä mieltä.' (I am of that opinion.)

You would say: 'Mitä sinä ajattelet?' (What are you thinking?) or 'Mitä sinä ajattelet?' (What do you think?) Context often clarifies if you mean 'what are you pondering' or 'what is your opinion.'

In the imperfect (past) tense, it becomes 'ajattelin.'

  • Minä ajattelin eilen paljon. (I thought a lot yesterday.)

When you are thinking about something, the object is often in the partitive case. For example:

  • Minä ajattelen tätä asiaa. (I am thinking about this matter.)
However, if you are thinking that something is true, you use a clause with 'että' (that):
  • Minä ajattelen, että se on totta. (I think that it is true.)

Yes, 'mistä' is the elative case of 'mikä' (what) and is used when asking 'about what.' So you can ask:

  • Mistä sinä ajattelet? (About what are you thinking?)
And respond, for example:
  • Ajattelen töistä. (I'm thinking about work.)

셀프 테스트 60 질문

fill blank A1

Minä ___ paljon Suomesta.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelen

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajattelen' for 'minä' (I).

fill blank A1

Sinä ___ usein englantia.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelet

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajattelet' for 'sinä' (you, singular).

fill blank A1

Hän ___ nyt paljon.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattele

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajattele' for 'hän' (he/she).

fill blank A1

Me ___ lomaa.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajatellemme

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajatellemme' for 'me' (we).

fill blank A1

Te ___ huomenna.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajateltte

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajateltte' for 'te' (you, plural/formal).

fill blank A1

He ___ aina nopeasti.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajateltavat

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajateltavat' for 'he' (they).

listening A1

What does 'Minä ajattelen paljon' mean?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Minä ajattelen paljon.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening A1

What does 'Hän ajattelee sinua' mean?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Hän ajattelee sinua.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening A1

What does 'Me emme ajattele samaa' mean?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Me emme ajattele samaa.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Ajattelen ruokaa.

Focus: A-jat-te-len ruo-kaa

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Mitä sinä ajattelet?

Focus: Mi-tä si-nä a-jat-te-let?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

He ajattelevat työtä.

Focus: He a-jat-te-le-vat työ-tä.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
fill blank A2

Minä ___ paljon tulevaisuudesta. (I think a lot about the future.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelen

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajattelen' for the first person singular 'minä'.

fill blank A2

Hän ___ aina positiivisesti. (He/She always thinks positively.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelee

For the third person singular 'hän', the correct conjugation of 'ajatella' is 'ajattelee'.

fill blank A2

Me ___, että se on hyvä idea. (We think that it's a good idea.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelemme

The verb 'ajatella' in the first person plural 'me' becomes 'ajattelemme'.

fill blank A2

Mitä sinä ___ asiasta? (What do you think about the matter?)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelet

For the second person singular 'sinä', the correct form of 'ajatella' is 'ajattelet'.

fill blank A2

He ___, ennen kuin he puhuvat. (They think before they speak.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelevat

The third person plural 'he' requires the conjugation 'ajattelevat' for 'ajatella'.

fill blank A2

___ tarkasti vastaustasi. (Think carefully about your answer.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Ajattele

This is an imperative form in the singular, meaning 'think!' The correct form is 'ajattele'.

multiple choice A2

Choose the correct translation: 'Minä ajattelen.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: I think.

'Minä' means 'I', and 'ajattelen' is the first person singular form of 'ajatella'.

multiple choice A2

Which word correctly completes the sentence? 'Hän ___ paljon.' (He thinks a lot.)

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelee

'Ajattelee' is the third person singular form of 'ajatella' (he/she thinks).

multiple choice A2

What is the correct Finnish verb form for 'We think'?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajatteleme

'Ajatteleme' is the first person plural form of 'ajatella'.

true false A2

The sentence 'Sinä ajattelet' means 'You think'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

'Sinä' means 'you' (singular) and 'ajattelet' is the second person singular form of 'ajatella'.

true false A2

'He ajattelevat' translates to 'They think'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

'He' means 'they', and 'ajattelevat' is the third person plural form of 'ajatella'.

true false A2

The word 'ajatella' is an adjective.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: 거짓

'Ajatella' is a verb, meaning 'to think'.

sentence order A2

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Minun pitää ajatella tätä

This sentence means 'I need to think about this.' In Finnish, 'minun pitää' (I must/need to) is followed by the base form of the verb 'ajatella' (to think). 'Tätä' means 'this' in the partitive case, which is used here because 'ajatella' often takes a partitive object.

sentence order A2

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Hän yrittää ajatella ratkaisua

This sentence translates to 'He/She is trying to think of a solution.' 'Hän yrittää' means 'He/She tries/is trying'. 'Ajatella' is 'to think'. 'Ratkaisua' is 'a solution' in the partitive case, as 'ajatella' often takes a partitive object.

sentence order A2

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Meidän täytyy ajatella tulevaisuutta

This sentence means 'We must think about the future.' 'Meidän täytyy' means 'We must/have to'. 'Ajatella' is 'to think'. 'Tulevaisuutta' is 'the future' in the partitive case, as 'ajatella' often takes a partitive object.

multiple choice B1

Mitä sinä _______ siitä uudesta elokuvasta?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelet

The verb 'ajatella' conjugates to 'ajattelet' when referring to 'you' (singular) in the present tense.

multiple choice B1

He _______ matkustaa ensi kesänä Lappiin.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajattelevat

For 'they' (he), the present tense conjugation of 'ajatella' is 'ajattelevat'.

multiple choice B1

Minun täytyy _______ asiaa vielä.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: ajatella

After 'täytyy' (must), the verb is in its infinitive form 'ajatella'.

true false B1

Lauseessa 'Hän ajattelee paljon' verbi 'ajatella' on kolmannessa persoonassa yksikössä.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

'Hän' refers to 'he/she', which is the third person singular, and 'ajattelee' is the correct conjugation.

true false B1

Voimme käyttää 'ajatella' puhuessamme mielipiteistä ja ideoista.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

'Ajatella' means 'to think', so it's naturally used when discussing opinions and ideas.

true false B1

'Ajattelin' on 'ajatella' verbin imperatiivimuoto.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: 거짓

'Ajattelin' is the past tense form ('I thought'). The imperative form would be 'Ajattele!' (Think!).

multiple choice C1

Which of the following best captures the nuanced meaning of 'ajatella' in the context of critical deliberation?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Harkita syvällisesti ja punnita eri näkökulmia.

'Ajatella' can imply deep consideration and weighing different perspectives, especially in C1 contexts where complex thought processes are discussed.

multiple choice C1

In a philosophical discussion, 'ajatella' often refers to forming coherent arguments. Which sentence best illustrates this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Hän ajattelee, miten voisi muotoilla argumenttinsa vakuuttavammin.

At C1, 'ajatella' often extends to abstract thought, planning, and structuring complex ideas, as seen in forming arguments.

multiple choice C1

When 'ajatella' is used in a strategic planning context, what does it emphasize?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Ennakointia ja mahdollisten seurausten analysointia.

Strategic thinking (C1 level) involves foresight and analyzing potential consequences, which 'ajatella' can convey.

true false C1

Using 'ajatella' can imply a process of critical evaluation before making a judgment.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

At C1, 'ajatella' frequently encompasses critical thinking and evaluation, especially when forming opinions or making significant decisions.

true false C1

When someone says 'En voi ajatella selkeästi' (I can't think clearly), it typically suggests a temporary inability to concentrate or process information effectively.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

This phrase directly refers to a cognitive state of impaired clarity of thought, which is a common usage of 'ajatella' at a higher proficiency level.

true false C1

The phrase 'ajatella ääneen' (to think aloud) implies that the person is merely making random noises, not processing thoughts verbally.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: 거짓

'Ajatella ääneen' specifically means to vocalize one's thoughts as they occur, which is a form of verbal processing, not random noise.

listening C1

What do you think about the government's new economic reforms? They affect many Finns.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Mitä ajattelet hallituksen uusista talousuudistuksista? Ne vaikuttavat moniin suomalaisiin.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening C1

He began to think more deeply about the meaning of life after a long trip abroad.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Hän alkoi ajatella syvällisemmin elämän tarkoitusta pitkän ulkomaanmatkan jälkeen.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening C1

It is important to think critically about the views presented by the media and to seek multiple sources.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: On tärkeää ajatella kriittisesti median esittämiä näkemyksiä ja etsiä useita lähteitä.
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Voitko ajatella ratkaisua tähän monimutkaiseen ongelmaan, joka tyydyttäisi kaikki osapuolet?

Focus: ratkaisua, tyydyttäisi

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

Mitä ajattelet globaalista ilmastonmuutoksesta ja sen vaikutuksista arktiselle alueelle?

Focus: ilmastonmuutoksesta, arktiselle

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking C1

Read this aloud:

On aika ajatella uudelleen lähestymistapamme kaupunkisuunnitteluun kestävän kehityksen näkökulmasta.

Focus: uudelleen, lähestymistapamme, kaupunkisuunnitteluun, kestävän

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
sentence order C1

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Hän puhuu usein asioita ajattelematta.

This sentence means 'He often says things without thinking.' The verb 'puhuu' (speaks) comes after the subject 'hän' (he), followed by the adverb 'usein' (often). 'Asioita' (things) is the object, and 'ajattelematta' (without thinking) functions as an adverbial phrase.

sentence order C1

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: On tärkeää ajatella tästä pitkällä perspektiivillä.

This sentence translates to 'It's important to think about this from a long-term perspective.' The impersonal 'On tärkeää' (It is important) introduces the infinitive 'ajatella' (to think). 'Tästä' (about this) precedes 'pitkällä perspektiivillä' (from a long-term perspective), which modifies the verb.

sentence order C1

아래 단어를 탭해서 문장을 만들어 보세요
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: Voisitko ajatella hetken ennen päätöksen tekemistä?

This means 'Could you think for a moment before making a decision?' 'Voisitko ajatella' (Could you think) is the main clause. 'Hetken' (for a moment) is an adverbial of time. 'Ennen päätöksen tekemistä' (before making a decision) is a temporal phrase.

multiple choice C2

Which of the following best captures the nuanced meaning of 'ajatella' in the context of deeply considering an ethical dilemma?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: pohdiskella

'Pohdiskella' implies a more profound and extensive contemplation, often associated with complex issues or philosophical thought, making it the most suitable choice for an ethical dilemma. 'Miettiä' is general thinking, 'tuumata' is informal thinking, and 'harkita' means to consider or weigh options.

multiple choice C2

When 'ajatella' is used to express a strong, almost involuntary premonition or intuition about an upcoming event, which verb would be a more precise synonym?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: aavistaa

'Aavistaa' specifically means to have a premonition or to sense something instinctively before it happens, which aligns with the idea of an involuntary intuition. 'Kuvitella' means to imagine, 'arvella' means to guess, and 'päätellä' means to deduce.

multiple choice C2

In a formal debate, if someone is formulating a counter-argument and 'ajatella' is used to describe this intellectual process, which verb would convey a more sophisticated and strategic 'thinking'?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: punnita

'Punnita' means to weigh or ponder, implying careful consideration of arguments and options, which is crucial in formulating a strategic counter-argument in a formal debate. 'Pohtia' is to ponder or consider (general), 'selvittää' is to clarify or ascertain, and 'kehittää' is to develop.

true false C2

The phrase 'ajatella ääneen' (to think aloud) can also idiomatically imply a process of joint brainstorming or collaborative idea generation, not just an individual vocalization of thoughts.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

While 'ajatella ääneen' literally means to think aloud, in a collaborative context, it can extend to a shared process where ideas are voiced and developed together, functioning similarly to brainstorming. The nuance is that each individual's 'thinking aloud' contributes to a collective thought process.

true false C2

Using 'ajatella' in the conditional mood, e.g., 'Ajattelisin, että...', always conveys a definite and unchangeable opinion, rather than a tentative suggestion or consideration.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답: 거짓

In Finnish, the conditional mood (e.g., 'Ajattelisin, että...') is often used to express politeness, uncertainty, or to present an opinion as a suggestion rather than a definitive statement. It softens the assertion, making it more tentative and open to discussion, rather than unchangeable.

true false C2

When 'ajatella' is used in the past perfect tense with a negative, such as 'En ollut ajatellut...', it strongly implies a complete lack of foresight or consideration for a specific outcome that has now occurred.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

The past perfect negative 'En ollut ajatellut...' indeed emphasizes that a particular thought, plan, or consideration was entirely absent prior to a certain point or event. It conveys a strong sense of a missed opportunity for foresight, where the consequence is now evident.

/ 60 correct

Perfect score!

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