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A1 verb 10분 분량

etsiä

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 etsiä 30초 만에

설명 etsiä in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'etsiä' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe daily activities. It is essential for survival Finnish, such as when you are lost or have lost something. You focus on the simple present tense: 'Minä etsin' (I search), 'Sinä etsit' (You search). The most important grammatical rule to master here is that the thing you are looking for must be in the partitive case. For example, 'etsin kynää' (I'm looking for a pen) or 'etsin tietä' (I'm looking for the way). You also learn to use it with simple locations like 'kassasta' (from the bag) or 'pöydältä' (from the table). At this stage, the goal is to be able to state what you are looking for in a shop or at home. You should also learn the question 'Mitä sinä etsit?' to ask others what they are doing. This level focuses on concrete, physical objects and immediate needs.

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'etsiä' to include the past tense ('etsin', 'etsit', 'etsi') and the perfect tense ('olen etsinyt'). You start to use the verb in more varied contexts, such as looking for a job ('etsiä töitä') or an apartment ('etsiä asuntoa'). You also begin to understand the 'from' logic more clearly, consistently using elative (-sta) and ablative (-lta) cases for locations. You might use it in social situations, like 'Etsimme teitä juhlissa' (We were looking for you at the party). You also start to encounter the verb in written instructions or signs, such as 'Etsi oikea vastaus' (Find/Search for the correct answer). Your vocabulary around 'etsiä' grows to include common adverbs like 'kaikkialta' (everywhere) or 'turhaan' (in vain).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you can use 'etsiä' to discuss abstract concepts and more complex situations. You are comfortable using the conditional mood ('etsisin', 'etsisit') to talk about hypothetical searches. You also start to use the verb in subordinate clauses, such as 'En tiennyt, mitä etsin' (I didn't know what I was looking for). At this level, you begin to distinguish 'etsiä' from more specific synonyms like 'hakea' or 'tutkia' based on the context. You can describe processes, such as how to search for information for a school project or how to look for a solution to a problem. You also start to use the passive form 'etsitään', which is very common in job advertisements and news headlines. Your understanding of the partitive case becomes more intuitive, and you rarely make mistakes with object cases.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, you use 'etsiä' with a high degree of precision. You can handle idiomatic expressions like 'etsiä käsiinsä' (to track down) and use the verb in professional or academic writing. You understand the stylistic difference between 'etsiä' and more formal terms like 'kartoittaa' (to map out/survey) or 'analysoida' (to analyze). You can participate in debates or discussions where 'searching' is a metaphor, such as searching for social justice or searching for a balance between work and life. You are also proficient in using the various infinitive forms of the verb, such as the third infinitive 'etsimässä' (in the act of searching). For example, 'Hän on tuolla etsimässä sieniä' (He is over there searching for mushrooms). Your speech is fluent, and you can use the verb in complex sentence structures without hesitation.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C1 level, 'etsiä' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it in literary or highly formal contexts to describe existential or philosophical quests. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in different registers of Finnish. You can use it to describe intricate processes in science or law, such as searching for evidence ('etsiä todisteita') or searching for precedents. You are familiar with rare or archaic forms and can appreciate the word's use in Finnish poetry and classic literature. You also have a deep understanding of how 'etsiä' interacts with other complex grammatical structures, such as participial attributes. You can discuss the etymology of the word and its relationship to other Finno-Ugric languages if necessary. Your use of the verb is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'etsiä' and all its related forms and nuances. You can use the verb to create wordplay, puns, or sophisticated metaphors. You understand the finest shades of meaning between 'etsiä', 'perätä', 'tiedustella', and 'uida'. You can write academic papers or give professional lectures using the verb and its derivatives (like 'etsintä' - the search) with total accuracy. You are sensitive to the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in creative writing. You can also interpret and translate complex texts containing 'etsiä' into English, capturing every nuance of the Finnish original. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible instrument for high-level communication and artistic expression.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

etsiä 30초 만에

Etsiä means 'to search' or 'to look for'. It is a very common Finnish verb.
The object of the search must always be in the partitive case (e.g., etsin kirjaa).
The location where you search is usually in the elative case (-sta/-stä).
It is a Type 1 verb and does not have consonant gradation for the 'ts' cluster.

The Finnish verb etsiä is a fundamental word that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'to search' or 'to look for' in English. However, in the Finnish linguistic landscape, it carries nuances that define the relationship between the seeker and the object sought. Unlike some languages where the distinction between 'searching' and 'finding' might be blurred in casual conversation, Finnish keeps a strict boundary. Etsiä focuses entirely on the process of searching—the act of scanning a room, browsing a website, or wandering through a forest in hopes of locating something. It does not imply that the object has been found; for that, you would switch to the verb löytää. This distinction is vital for English speakers who might say 'I am looking for my keys' and 'I found my keys' using similar mental frameworks, but in Finnish, etsiä strictly demands the partitive case for its object because the action is often ongoing or incomplete.

Everyday Physical Search: This is the most common use. It involves looking for tangible items like keys, a phone, or a person in a crowd.
Minä etsin kadonnutta lompakkoani eteisestä.
I am searching for my lost wallet in the hallway.
Digital and Abstract Search: In the modern era, etsiä is the go-to verb for searching the internet, looking for data in a spreadsheet, or searching for information in a book. It also extends to abstract concepts like searching for the truth or searching for one's identity.
Hän etsii vastausta tähän vaikeaan kysymykseen Googlesta.
He is searching for the answer to this difficult question on Google.
Professional Recruitment: Companies use this verb when they are 'searching' for new employees. Job advertisements frequently start with 'Etsimme...' (We are looking for...).
Yritys etsii uutta markkinointipäällikköä tiimiinsä.
The company is looking for a new marketing manager for its team.

Culturally, Finns appreciate directness, but when using etsiä in a store, it's polite to use the 'minä' form: 'Etsin tällaista paitaa' (I'm looking for this kind of shirt). It signals to the staff that you have a specific goal. In more poetic or philosophical contexts, etsiä can describe a lifelong quest. For instance, 'etsiä onnea' (to search for happiness) is a common theme in Finnish literature and music, reflecting a deep, introspective search for meaning in the quiet Nordic landscape. Whether you are hunting for mushrooms in a forest (etsiä sieniä) or looking for a WiFi password (etsiä salasanaa), this verb is your essential tool for navigation.

Poliisi etsii todistajia onnettomuuspaikalla.

The police are looking for witnesses at the scene of the accident.

Lapset etsivät pääsiäismunia puutarhasta.

The children are searching for Easter eggs in the garden.

Using etsiä correctly requires understanding its grammatical environment, specifically the cases of the location and the object. In Finnish, verbs of searching often use internal locative cases (inessive/elative) or external locative cases (adessive/ablative) to describe where the search is happening. Crucially, Finnish logic often views the search as happening 'from' a place. For example, 'I look for the keys in the bag' is often expressed as 'Etsin avaimia laukusta' (I search for keys *out of* the bag). This elative case usage is a hallmark of natural-sounding Finnish.

The 'Where' (Location Cases): When you search inside something, use the elative (-sta/-stä). If you search on a surface or a general area, use the ablative (-lta/-ltä).
Etsin puhelinta taskusta.
I am searching for the phone (from) inside the pocket.

Etsimme sieniä metsästä.
We are looking for mushrooms (from) the forest.
Negative Sentences: In negative sentences, the object remains in the partitive, and the verb follows the standard negative conjugation rules.
En etsi tällä hetkellä uutta asuntoa.
I am not looking for a new apartment at the moment.
Questions and Inversions: To ask what someone is looking for, use the interrogative 'mitä' (what in partitive).
Mitä sinä etsit minun laukustani?
What are you looking for in my bag?

When conjugating etsiä, it follows the pattern of Type 1 verbs ending in -ia. Note that there is no consonant gradation (k-p-t changes) in this verb because the 'ts' cluster is stable. This makes it relatively easy for beginners to conjugate in all tenses. Whether you are using the past tense 'etsin' (I searched) or the conditional 'etsisin' (I would search), the stem 'etsi-' remains consistent. This predictability allows learners to focus more on the external grammar, like the partitive objects and locative cases, rather than worrying about complex internal vowel changes.

Olemme etsineet teitä kaikkialta!

We have been looking for you everywhere!

Jos etsisit tarkemmin, löytäisit sen varmasti.

If you were to search more carefully, you would surely find it.

You will encounter etsiä in nearly every facet of Finnish life. From the mundane to the professional, it is a workhorse verb. In Finnish households, the phrase 'Mitä sä etsit?' (What are you looking for? - spoken form) is a daily occurrence as family members hunt for misplaced items. In the workplace, it’s the standard term for research and recruitment. If you walk into a Finnish library or bookstore, a clerk might approach you and ask, 'Etsittekö jotain tiettyä kirjaa?' (Are you looking for a specific book?). This versatility makes it one of the top 500 most useful verbs for a learner to master.

In Retail and Services: Store assistants use it to help customers. It sounds helpful and professional.
Hei, voinko auttaa? Etsitkö jotain tiettyä kokoa?
Hi, can I help? Are you looking for a specific size?
In News and Media: News reports use it when discussing police investigations or missing person cases.
Poliisi jatkaa edelleen kadonneen henkilön etsimistä maastossa.
The police still continue searching for the missing person in the terrain.
In Technology: Software interfaces in Finnish use 'Etsi' for the 'Search' or 'Find' button.
Kirjoita hakusana tähän etsiäksesi sivustolta.
Type a keyword here to search on the site.

Moreover, in the context of Finnish nature, etsiä is central to the culture of foraging. Every autumn, thousands of Finns head into the woods to 'etsiä sieniä ja marjoja' (search for mushrooms and berries). It’s almost a meditative state. You might hear someone say, 'Olin metsässä kaksi tuntia etsimässä kantarelleja' (I was in the forest for two hours searching for chanterelles). Here, the word describes a patient, rhythmic activity deeply tied to the land. In academic circles, 'etsiä tietoa' (to search for information) is the foundation of 'tiedonhaku' (information retrieval). Whether in a quiet forest or a bustling office, etsiä is the verb of discovery.

Tutkijat etsivät uusia tapoja torjua ilmastonmuutosta.

Researchers are looking for new ways to combat climate change.

Moni nuori etsii vielä omaa paikkaansa maailmassa.

Many young people are still searching for their own place in the world.

Even though etsiä is an A1 level verb, its grammatical requirements often trip up learners at all levels. The most frequent errors involve the case of the object and the case of the location. Because English says 'I search *in* the box', learners naturally want to use the Finnish inessive case (-ssa/-ssä). However, Finnish logic often prefers the elative case (-sta/-stä), viewing the search as something being extracted or identified *from* a source. Understanding these subtle shifts in perspective is the key to moving from 'translation-Finnish' to 'natural-Finnish'.

Mistake 1: Using the Accusative instead of the Partitive: Learners often say 'Etsin avaimen' (I search the key - genitive/accusative). This is incorrect because the search is an ongoing process.
Väärin: Etsin avaimen. Oikein: Etsin avainta.
Incorrect: I search (the) key. Correct: I am searching for the key (partitive).
Mistake 2: The 'In' vs 'From' Location Logic: As mentioned, searching 'in' a place usually requires the elative case in Finnish.
Väärin: Etsin kirjaa kirjastossa. Oikein: Etsin kirjaa kirjastosta.
While 'kirjastossa' is technically possible to describe where you are standing, 'kirjastosta' is more natural to describe where you are looking for the book.
Mistake 3: Confusing 'Etsiä' with 'Löytää': English speakers might say 'I am looking for it' when they actually mean they are trying to find it. In Finnish, if you focus on the result, use 'löytää'.
Etsin avainta (The search is active). Löysin avaimen (The search is finished, I found it).

Another subtle mistake is with the plural partitive. When looking for multiple things, ensure the ending is correct. 'Etsin avaimia' (I am looking for keys) vs 'Etsin avainta' (I am looking for a key). Because the partitive plural can be tricky, many learners default to the singular, which can change the meaning of the sentence. Finally, remember that etsiä is a Type 1 verb. Do not add extra 't's or 'n's where they don't belong in the stem. It is 'etsimme', not 'etsitämme'. Mastery of these small details will make your Finnish sound significantly more authentic and clear.

Väärin: Me etsimme työtä (singular). Oikein: Me etsimme töitä (plural partitive is more common for 'looking for work').

While etsiä is the most versatile verb for searching, Finnish offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific nuances. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are fetching, investigating, browsing, or scanning. Understanding these alternatives will help you express yourself with more precision and avoid repetitive language in your writing and speaking.

Hakea (To Fetch / To Apply / To Search): Often used when you know where something is and you go to get it, or when searching for information in a database.
Hae tiedot tietokannasta.
Search/Fetch the info from the database.
Tutkia (To Investigate / To Research): Used when the search is analytical or scientific. You aren't just looking for an object; you are looking for understanding.
Tutkimme uusia mahdollisuuksia.
We are investigating new possibilities.
Haravoida (To Comb / To Rake): Literally 'to rake', but metaphorically used to describe a systematic, thorough search of an area or a dataset.
Poliisi haravoi metsää.
The police are combing the forest.

When you are browsing in a store without a specific item in mind, katsella (to look at/around) is often better than etsiä. If you tell a clerk 'etsin paitaa', they will try to find you one. If you say 'katselen vain', they will leave you in peace. Another interesting alternative is tiedustella (to inquire), which is used when searching for information by asking people. Lastly, tonkia is a more informal, slightly negative word meaning 'to rummage through' or 'to poke around' in someone else's things. Choosing between these words shows a high level of linguistic competence.

Älä tongi minun tavaroitani!

Don't rummage through my things!

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word for 'detective' in Finnish is 'etsivä', which is literally the present participle form of 'etsiä' - 'the one who is searching'.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈetsiæ/

US /ˈetsiæ/

Primary stress is always on the first syllable: ET-si-ä.

라임이 맞는 단어

keksiä meksia hitsiä vitsiä läksiä mieliksiä reksiä peksiä

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing 'ä' as 'a' (like in 'father').
Softening the 'ts' cluster.
Stressing the second syllable.
Making the 'i' too long (like 'ee').
Failing to pronounce the final 'ä' clearly.

난이도

독해 1/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in text.

쓰기 2/5

Requires remembering the partitive case for the object.

말하기 2/5

Pronunciation of 'ts' and 'ä' needs practice for beginners.

듣기 2/5

In spoken Finnish, the 's' might be slightly swallowed or the verb shortened.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

minä sinä mikä tämä olla

다음에 배울 것

löytää hakea katsoa löytö haku

고급

kartoittaa tiedustella perätä tonkia haravoida

알아야 할 문법

Partitive Object

Etsiä takes the partitive case for its object (etsiä kirjaa).

Elative for Location

Searching 'in' a place uses the elative case (etsiä laukusta).

Type 1 Verb Conjugation

Stem 'etsi-' + personal endings (etsin, etsit, etsii...).

No Consonant Gradation

The 'ts' cluster does not change (etsiä -> etsin).

3rd Infinitive Illative

Mennä etsimään (to go searching).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Minä etsin kynää.

I am looking for a pen.

The object 'kynää' is in the partitive case.

Mitä sinä etsit?

What are you looking for?

The question word 'mitä' is the partitive form of 'mikä'.

Etsin kissaa puutarhasta.

I am looking for the cat in the garden.

Location 'puutarhasta' is in the elative case (from the garden).

Etsimme uutta taloa.

We are looking for a new house.

Verb 'etsimme' is the 1st person plural (we).

Hän etsii avainta taskusta.

He is looking for the key in his pocket.

Object 'avainta' is partitive singular.

Etsitkö sinä minua?

Are you looking for me?

The pronoun 'minua' is the partitive form of 'minä'.

Lapset etsivät palloa.

The children are looking for the ball.

Verb 'etsivät' is the 3rd person plural (they).

Etsin maitoa jääkaapista.

I am looking for milk in the fridge.

Location 'jääkaapista' is elative (out of the fridge).

Etsin eilen lompakkoani koko päivän.

I looked for my wallet all day yesterday.

Past tense 'etsin' (I searched).

Oletko jo etsinyt netistä?

Have you already searched on the internet?

Perfect tense 'oletko etsinyt'.

Me etsimme töitä tästä kaupungista.

We are looking for work in this city.

Plural partitive 'töitä' (work/jobs).

Etsin sopivaa lahjaa ystävälleni.

I am looking for a suitable gift for my friend.

Adjective 'sopivaa' also in partitive to match the object.

Hän etsi vastausta kirjasta.

He looked for the answer in a book.

Elative case 'kirjasta' (from the book).

Etsimme teitä kaikkialta, missä olitte?

We looked for you everywhere, where were you?

Adverb 'kaikkialta' means 'from everywhere'.

Poliisi etsii varasta.

The police are looking for the thief.

Partitive object 'varasta'.

Etsin aina halvinta hintaa.

I always look for the cheapest price.

Superlative 'halvinta' in partitive.

Etsisin uuden asunnon, jos minulla olisi rahaa.

I would look for a new apartment if I had money.

Conditional 'etsisin' (I would search).

On tärkeää etsiä tietoa useista lähteistä.

It is important to search for information from multiple sources.

Infinitive 'etsiä' used after 'tärkeää'.

Etsitäänkö me yhdessä ratkaisua tähän?

Shall we search for a solution to this together?

Passive form 'etsitäänkö' used as a suggestion.

Olen etsinyt tätä kirjaa jo vuosia.

I have been looking for this book for years.

Perfect tense indicates an action that started in the past.

Hän lähti ulos etsimään inspiraatiota.

He went out to search for inspiration.

Third infinitive illative 'etsimään'.

Älä etsi virheitä muista, vaan katso itseäsi.

Don't look for faults in others, look at yourself.

Imperative 'älä etsi' (don't search).

Etsimme parhaillaan uutta työntekijää tiimiimme.

We are currently looking for a new employee for our team.

Adverb 'parhaillaan' means 'currently'.

Mitä sä oikein etsit mun laukusta?

What exactly are you searching for in my bag?

Spoken Finnish 'sä' and 'mun' used here.

Tiedemiehet etsivät elämää muilta planeetoilta.

Scientists are searching for life on other planets.

Ablative case 'planeetoilta' (on/from planets).

Hän joutui etsimään apua ulkopuolisilta.

He had to seek help from outsiders.

Verb 'joutua' + 3rd infinitive 'etsimään'.

Etsimme jatkuvasti keinoja parantaa palveluamme.

We are constantly searching for ways to improve our service.

Adverb 'jatkuvasti' (constantly).

On vaikeaa etsiä totuutta valheiden keskeltä.

It is difficult to search for the truth amidst lies.

Abstract usage of 'etsiä'.

Etsin käsiini sen vanhan valokuvan.

I tracked down that old photograph.

Idiom 'etsiä käsiinsä' (to track down).

Yritys etsii uusia markkinoita Aasiasta.

The company is looking for new markets in Asia.

Elative 'Aasiasta' (from Asia).

Etsimme vastausta kysymykseen, jota ei ole vielä esitetty.

We are looking for an answer to a question that hasn't been asked yet.

Complex relative clause structure.

Poliisi haravoi aluetta etsiessään todisteita.

The police combed the area while searching for evidence.

Second infinitive inessive 'etsiessään' (while searching).

Kirjailija etsii teoksissaan usein ihmisyyden ydintä.

In their works, the author often searches for the core of humanity.

High-level literary usage.

On turhaa etsiä syyllisiä, kun vahinko on jo tapahtunut.

It is futile to look for culprits when the damage has already been done.

Plural partitive 'syyllisiä' (culprits).

Hän on koko ikänsä etsinyt hyväksyntää muilta.

He has been searching for approval from others his whole life.

Perfect tense used for lifelong duration.

Etsimme yhteistä säveltä neuvotteluissa.

We are looking for common ground in the negotiations.

Metaphorical idiom 'etsiä yhteistä säveltä'.

Tutkimusryhmä etsii korrelaatiota näiden kahden ilmiön välillä.

The research group is looking for a correlation between these two phenomena.

Scientific/Academic context.

Etsin kuumeisesti ulospääsyä tästä tilanteesta.

I am feverishly looking for a way out of this situation.

Adverb 'kuumeisesti' (feverishly/frantically).

Moni turisti etsii aitoa suomalaista kokemusta.

Many tourists are looking for an authentic Finnish experience.

Adjective 'aitoa' in partitive.

Hän etsii lohtua musiikista surunsa keskellä.

She searches for comfort in music amidst her grief.

Elative 'musiikista' (from music).

Filosofi etsii olemassaolon tarkoitusta hiljaisuudesta.

The philosopher searches for the meaning of existence in silence.

Highly abstract/philosophical usage.

Etsimme oikeudenmukaisuutta maailmassa, joka on usein sokea sille.

We search for justice in a world that is often blind to it.

Complex relative clause 'joka on...'.

Hän etsii sanoja kuvaamaan sitä valtavaa menetystä.

He searches for words to describe that immense loss.

Plural partitive 'sanoja'.

Etsimme jatkuvasti uusia tapoja haastaa vallitsevat normit.

We are constantly looking for new ways to challenge prevailing norms.

Social/Political context.

Tutkija etsii neulaa heinäsuovasta tässä valtavassa aineistossa.

The researcher is looking for a needle in a haystack in this vast material.

Idiom 'etsiä neulaa heinäsuovasta'.

Etsimme tasapainoa vapauden ja vastuun välillä.

We search for a balance between freedom and responsibility.

Abstract nouns in partitive.

Hän etsii pelastusta menneisyyden varjoista.

He searches for salvation from the shadows of the past.

Poetic/Metaphorical usage.

Etsimme totuutta, vaikka se olisi kuinka karu tahansa.

We search for the truth, no matter how harsh it may be.

Concessive clause 'vaikka se olisi...'

자주 쓰는 조합

etsiä töitä

etsiä asuntoa

etsiä tietoa

etsiä vastausta

etsiä apua

etsiä syytä

etsiä seuraa

etsiä onnea

etsiä totuutta

etsiä sieniä

자주 쓰는 구문

Mitä sinä etsit?

— The standard way to ask what someone is looking for.

Mitä sinä etsit sieltä kaapista?

Etsin vain.

— A common way to say 'I'm just looking' in a store.

Kiitos, etsin vain.

Etsiä kissojen ja koirien kanssa.

— To look for something everywhere with great effort (idiomatic).

Etsin avaimia kissojen ja koirien kanssa.

Etsiä neulaa heinäsuovasta.

— To look for a needle in a haystack.

Tämä on kuin etsisi neulaa heinäsuovasta.

Etsiä vertaansa.

— To be matchless or search for an equal.

Tämä maisema etsii vertaansa.

Etsiä ulospääsyä.

— To look for a way out (literally or figuratively).

Etsin ulospääsyä tästä vaikeasta tilanteesta.

Etsiä ratkaisua.

— To look for a solution.

Meidän täytyy etsiä ratkaisu pian.

Etsiä virheitä.

— To look for mistakes/faults.

Hän etsii aina virheitä muista.

Etsiä inspiraatiota.

— To look for inspiration.

Taiteilija etsii inspiraatiota luonnosta.

Etsiä turvaa.

— To seek safety or asylum.

Ihmiset etsivät turvaa sodan keskellä.

자주 혼동되는 단어

etsiä vs löytää

Löytää means to find, while etsiä means to search. You search (etsiä) so that you can find (löytää).

etsiä vs hakea

Hakea is often used for fetching or applying for something, while etsiä is specifically for looking for something lost or unknown.

etsiä vs katsoa

Katsoa means to look at or watch, while etsiä means to look for.

관용어 및 표현

"etsiä käsiinsä"

— To track down or find something/someone specific.

Etsi se mies käsiisi!

neutral

"etsiä kissojen ja koirien kanssa"

— To search very thoroughly and desperately.

Olen etsinyt sitä kirjaa kissojen ja koirien kanssa.

informal

"etsiä vertaansa"

— To be incomparable; to search for an equal.

Hänen lahjakkuutensa etsii vertaansa.

formal

"etsiä neulaa heinäsuovasta"

— To perform a near-impossible search.

Tiedon haku tästä arkistosta on kuin etsisi neulaa heinäsuovasta.

neutral

"etsiä omaa paikkaansa"

— To try to find where one belongs in life.

Hän etsii vielä omaa paikkaansa maailmassa.

neutral

"etsiä yhteistä säveltä"

— To try to find common ground or agreement.

Osapuolet etsivät yhteistä säveltä neuvotteluissa.

neutral

"etsiä porsaanreikiä"

— To look for loopholes (literally 'pig holes').

Asianajaja etsii porsaanreikiä laista.

neutral

"etsiä tilaa"

— To look for space (often metaphorically for time or freedom).

Etsin tilaa omille ajatuksilleni.

neutral

"etsiä valoa tunnelin päästä"

— To look for hope in a difficult situation.

Kriisin keskellä on vaikea etsiä valoa tunnelin päästä.

neutral

"etsiä vastausta tuulesta"

— To look for an answer in vain or in abstract places.

Vastausta on turha etsiä tuulesta.

poetic

혼동하기 쉬운

etsiä vs hakea

Both can mean 'to search'.

Hakea is used for databases, information, or fetching. Etsiä is for physical items or abstract quests.

Etsin avainta (physical). Haen tietoa (data).

etsiä vs tutkia

Both involve looking for something.

Tutkia is analytical and deep (investigate). Etsiä is just the act of looking.

Poliisi etsii varasta. Tutkija tutkii näytettä.

etsiä vs katsella

Both involve using eyes to find things.

Katsella is casual browsing. Etsiä is goal-oriented searching.

Katselen vaatteita (browsing). Etsin punaista paitaa (specific goal).

etsiä vs löytää

They are part of the same process.

Etsiä is the process (partitive object). Löytää is the result (accusative/genitive object).

Etsin avainta. Löysin avaimen.

etsiä vs tonkia

Both mean looking through things.

Tonkia is messy, informal, or rude (rummaging). Etsiä is neutral.

Älä tongi roskia! Etsin vain paperia.

문장 패턴

[Subject] etsii [Object-Partitive].

Minä etsin avainta.

[Subject] etsii [Object-Partitive] [Location-Elative].

Hän etsii kirjaa laukusta.

[Subject] on etsinyt [Object-Partitive].

Olemme etsineet kotiin uutta mattoa.

[Subject] meni [Location-Illative] etsimään [Object-Partitive].

Lapsi meni pihalle etsimään palloa.

[Subject] etsii käsiinsä [Object-Partitive].

Minun täytyy etsiä käsiini se osoite.

On turhaa etsiä [Object-Partitive]...

On turhaa etsiä syyllistä tässä vaiheessa.

[Subject] etsii [Object-Partitive] [Abstract-Location-Elative].

Hän etsii rauhaa luonnosta.

Etsiä neulaa heinäsuovasta.

Tämä tehtävä on kuin etsisi neulaa heinäsuovasta.

어휘 가족

명사

etsintä (search/manhunt)

etsijä (searcher)

etsin (viewfinder/search tool)

etsivä (detective)

동사

etsiskellä (to look around for, frequentative)

etsiytyä (to find one's way to/seek out)

형용사

etsivä (searching/inquiring)

etsitty (searched for/wanted)

사용법

frequency

Extremely high; essential core vocabulary.

자주 하는 실수

Etsin avaimen. → Etsin avainta.
The object of 'etsiä' must be in the partitive case because searching is an ongoing action.
Etsin kirjaa laukussa. → Etsin kirjaa laukusta.
Finnish uses the elative case (-sta) for the location of searching, meaning 'from' the place.
Minä etsin löytää avaimet. → Etsin avaimia.
You don't need 'löytää' (to find) after 'etsiä'. 'Etsiä' already means 'to look for'.
Etsin työtä. → Etsin töitä.
While 'työtä' is grammatically correct, the plural partitive 'töitä' is much more common for general job hunting.
Me etsitämme vastausta. → Me etsimme vastausta.
The verb is 'etsiä', stem 'etsi-'. Do not add extra syllables in the plural forms.

팁

Partitive is King

Never forget the partitive object. 'Etsin avain' is wrong; it must be 'Etsin avainta'. This is the #1 mistake English speakers make.

Etsiä vs Hakea

Use 'etsiä' when you don't know where it is. Use 'hakea' when you know where it is and you're going to get it.

Nature Searches

In autumn, use 'etsiä' for mushrooms (sieniä) and berries (marjoja). It's a national pastime in Finland!

The 'ts' sound

The 'ts' in 'etsiä' is like the 'ts' in 'cats'. Make it sharp and clear for a natural accent.

Search Buttons

Change your phone language to Finnish. You will see the word 'Etsi' everywhere on search bars and buttons.

Job Hunting

When looking for work, use the plural partitive: 'Etsin töitä'. It sounds much more professional than the singular.

Location Logic

Remember the elative case (-sta/-stä). You search *from* a bag (laukusta), not *in* a bag (laukussa).

Track it Down

Use 'etsiä käsiinsä' when you finally want to find that elusive item you've been wanting.

Abstract Quests

Don't be afraid to use 'etsiä' for abstract things like 'onnea' (happiness) or 'totuutta' (truth).

Spoken Finnish

Listen for 'etsii' in shops. It's the standard way a clerk will ask if you need help finding something.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'ET' searching for a way home. ET-siä. He is searching!

시각적 연상

Imagine a magnifying glass over the word 'etsiä'. The magnifying glass is the tool you use to 'etsiä' (search).

Word Web

etsiä etsintä etsivä etsijä etsin etsiskellä löytää hakea

챌린지

Try to use 'etsiä' in three different tenses today: 'Etsin avaimia', 'Etsin eilen kirjaa', and 'Olen etsinyt vastausta'.

어원

Etsiä is a native Finnic verb with ancient roots. It has cognates in other Finno-Ugric languages, showing its long history in the region.

원래 의미: The core meaning has always been related to seeking, tracking, or following a trail.

Uralic / Finno-Ugric

문화적 맥락

No specific sensitivities; 'etsiä' is a neutral, safe verb to use in all contexts.

English speakers often use 'find' when they are still in the process of searching. In Finnish, you must stay with 'etsiä' until the object is actually in your hand.

The Finnish translation of Sherlock Holmes uses the word 'etsivä' (detective). Many Finnish pop songs use 'etsiä' to describe searching for love or meaning. The button 'Etsi' is what you see on the Finnish version of Google.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At home

Etsin avaimia.
Mitä sä etsit?
Etsi se kaukosäädin.
Olen etsinyt sitä kaikkialta.

In a store

Etsin tällaista paitaa.
Etsin lahjaa ystävälle.
Etsin sovituskoppia.
Etsin vain, kiitos.

At work

Etsimme uutta ratkaisua.
Etsi ne tiedot arkistosta.
Etsimme uutta työntekijää.
Etsin vastausta sähköpostiin.

Online

Etsi netistä.
Kirjoita hakusana.
Etsi tietoa.
Etsi sivustolta.

In nature

Etsitään sieniä.
Etsin polkua.
Etsitään marjoja.
Etsin sopivaa telttapaikkaa.

대화 시작하기

"Mitä sinä etsit juuri nyt elämässäsi?"

"Oletko koskaan etsinyt jotain ja löytänyt jotain aivan muuta?"

"Mistä sinä yleensä etsit tietoa uusista asioista?"

"Etsitkö mieluummin sieniä vai marjoja metsästä?"

"Mikä on vaikeinta, mitä olet koskaan joutunut etsimään?"

일기 주제

Kirjoita päivästä, jolloin etsit jotain kadonnutta esinettä. Mitä tapahtui?

Mitä asioita ihminen etsii koko elämänsä ajan? Pohdi tätä.

Kuvaile prosessia, kun etsit uutta asuntoa tai työpaikkaa.

Miten teknologia on muuttanut tapaamme etsiä tietoa?

Mitä sinä etsit tänään kaupasta ja löysitkö sen?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, in almost all standard contexts, the object being searched for is in the partitive case. This is because the action of searching is considered 'irresultative' or ongoing. For example, 'etsin työtä' (I'm looking for work). Even if you find it later, the act of searching itself doesn't change the object.

Yes, you can say 'etsiä Googlesta' or 'etsiä netistä'. However, 'hakea' is also very common in digital contexts, as in 'hakea tietoa' (to search for information). Both are correct, but 'etsiä' feels slightly more like the physical act of looking through results.

The main difference is that 'etsiä' is for looking for something unknown or lost, while 'hakea' often implies fetching something known or applying for something (like a job or school). If you lost your keys, use 'etsiä'. If you are going to pick up your child from school, use 'hakea'.

Finnish logic often views searching as an action where you are trying to 'extract' the object or the information *out of* a place. Therefore, instead of saying 'in the box', you say 'out of the box' (laatikosta). This is a common pattern with many Finnish verbs of motion or discovery.

You say 'Etsin töitä'. Note that 'töitä' is the plural partitive form of 'työ'. Using the plural is more common and sounds more natural in Finnish when referring to job hunting in general.

No, 'etsiä' is a Type 1 verb with the 'ts' cluster, which is stable. It does not undergo changes like k-p-t gradation. So, it remains 'etsin', 'etsit', 'etsii', etc., in all forms.

The word for detective is 'etsivä'. It comes directly from the verb 'etsiä'. It is the present participle form, meaning 'the one who is searching'.

Absolutely. You can say 'Etsin ystävääni' (I'm looking for my friend) or 'Poliisi etsii kadonnutta lasta' (The police are looking for a missing child). Just remember to use the partitive case for the person.

It is an idiom that means 'to track down' or 'to find and get hold of'. Literally, it means 'to search into one's hands'. For example, 'Etsin sen kirjan käsiini' means 'I will track down that book'.

If you are just browsing without a specific item in mind, it's better to use 'katsella' (to look around). If you tell a shop assistant 'etsin paitaa', they will think you have a specific need and will try to help you find one.

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