At the A1 level, you only need to know 'kunnia' in very simple, fixed phrases. The most important one is 'On kunnia' (It is an honor). You might hear this in a basic introduction or a very polite greeting. Think of it as a 'power word' for politeness. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember that it means 'honor' and is used when you want to show that something is very special to you. For example, if you meet a famous person or a teacher you really like, you can say 'On kunnia tavata' (It is an honor to meet). It’s a great way to sound very respectful even with a limited vocabulary. You might also see it on cards or trophies. At this level, just recognize the word and its basic positive meaning.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'kunnia' in more varied contexts, like sports and family. You should learn the phrase 'kunnia-asia,' which means something is a 'matter of honor' or something you take pride in doing well. For example, 'Kodin siisteys on minulle kunnia-asia' (Keeping the home clean is a matter of honor for me). You also begin to see the word in the partitive case 'kunniaa' when someone receives praise. 'Hän sai kunniaa' (He got honor/credit). You should also be aware of 'kunnianloukkaus' (defamation) as a word you might see in news headlines, even if you don't use it yourself. You are beginning to understand that 'kunnia' is about how people see you and how you see yourself.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'kunnia' in more complex sentences and understand its different shades of meaning. You understand the difference between 'kunnia' (honor) and 'kunnioitus' (respect). You can use the adessive form 'kunnialla' to describe how someone did something: 'Hän selvisi kokeesta kunnialla' (He got through the exam with credit/honorably). You are also familiar with common idioms like 'kunniasana' (word of honor) and can use them in conversation to emphasize that you are telling the truth. At this level, you can discuss abstract topics like 'rehellisyys' (honesty) and 'kunnia' (honor) in a simple way, explaining why they are important in Finnish culture. You recognize that 'kunnia' is often used in official contexts, like graduation ceremonies.
At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'kunnia'. You can distinguish between 'kunnia' (honor), 'maine' (reputation), and 'arvo' (worth). You understand that 'kunnia' can be both a personal internal feeling and a social status. You can use the word in formal writing, such as a letter of recommendation or a speech. You are comfortable with compound words like 'kunniapuheenjohtaja' (honorary chairman) or 'kunniatohtori' (honorary doctor). You also understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in Finnish literature and history, such as the 'honor' of soldiers or the 'honor' of the nation. You can participate in debates about ethics where 'kunnia' is a central theme, and you can use the word accurately in various grammatical cases without hesitation.
At the C1 level, you master the subtle rhetorical uses of 'kunnia'. You can use it ironically or sarcastically if the situation calls for it (e.g., 'Se siitä kunniasta' - So much for that honor). You understand the legal definitions of 'kunnianloukkaus' in detail and can discuss the balance between freedom of speech and the protection of an individual's honor. You are familiar with literary uses of the word in Finnish classics (like the works of Väinö Linna or Mika Waltari) and can analyze how the concept of honor has changed in Finnish society over the centuries. You can use 'kunnia' in highly formal and poetic contexts, and you understand its use in religious or philosophical texts. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of register and placement.
At the C2 level, you have a total grasp of 'kunnia' and all its archaic and specialized meanings. You can discuss the etymology of the word and its Germanic roots. You understand the most obscure idioms and historical phrases involving 'kunnia'. You can write academic papers or legal briefs where 'kunnia' is a technical term. You are sensitive to the smallest nuances—for instance, the difference in tone between 'saada kunniaa' and 'niittää kunniaa' (to reap glory). You can use the word to evoke specific historical periods or social classes in creative writing. Your understanding of 'kunnia' is deeply integrated with your knowledge of Finnish history, law, and social psychology. You can navigate the most complex social situations where 'kunnia' is at stake with perfect linguistic tact.

kunnia 30초 만에

  • Kunnia means honor, glory, or credit in Finnish.
  • It is used in formal, sports, and moral contexts.
  • The opposite of kunnia is häpeä (shame).
  • Common phrases include 'on kunnia' (it is an honor).

The Finnish word kunnia is a profound and multi-layered noun that translates most directly to "honor," "glory," or "credit." In the Finnish psyche, kunnia is not merely a superficial badge of success but a deeply rooted concept of integrity, social standing, and the recognition of one's virtuous actions. It encompasses the respect one earns from others and the internal sense of dignity that comes from living according to a moral code. When a Finn speaks of kunnia, they are often referring to something sacred—whether it is the honor of the nation, the dignity of a family name, or the professional credit due to a hard-working individual. Unlike the English word 'fame,' which can be fleeting and vapid, kunnia implies a weight of responsibility and a history of conduct. It is the intangible reward for 'sisu' (perseverance) and 'rehellisyys' (honesty).

Social Recognition
Kunnia is frequently used when acknowledging someone's contribution. If you complete a project, the 'kunnia' (credit) belongs to you. In formal ceremonies, people are given 'kunnia' for their lifetime achievements.
Moral Integrity
To act with 'kunnia' means to act honorably. Losing one's 'kunnia' is a grave matter in traditional Finnish culture, signaling a loss of face and trust within the community.
Glory and Victory
In the context of sports or history, kunnia refers to the glory of winning or the prestige of a historical event. 'Kunnia ja maine' (honor and fame) is a common pairing in epic narratives.

Se oli suuri kunnia saada tavata teidät.

Translation: It was a great honor to meet you.

Historically, the concept of kunnia was tied to the survival of the village and the family. A person without kunnia was a liability. Today, while the society is more individualistic, the word remains central in formal Finnish discourse. You will hear it at the 'Linnan juhlat' (Independence Day Ball), in military oaths, and in graduation speeches. It is a word that commands silence and respect. It is also used in more mundane ways, such as 'kunnia-asia' (a matter of honor), which refers to a task someone feels personally obligated to perform perfectly. For example, keeping your yard clean might be a 'kunnia-asia' for a Finnish homeowner.

Hän teki työnsä kunnialla loppuun.

Translation: He finished his work with honor/creditably.

Urheilija tavoitteli olympiakultaa ja kunniaa.

Translation: The athlete aimed for Olympic gold and glory.

Tämä voitto on koko joukkueen kunnia.

Translation: This victory is the credit of the whole team.

Isänmaan kunnia on meille kallis.

Translation: The honor of the fatherland is dear to us.

Using kunnia correctly requires an understanding of Finnish cases, specifically the partitive and the genitive. Because it is an abstract noun, it often appears in the partitive ('kunniaa') when the action is ongoing or the amount is indefinite. For instance, 'saada kunniaa' (to receive honor) uses the partitive because honor is an uncountable concept. In contrast, 'kunnian menettäminen' (the losing of honor) uses the genitive 'kunnian' to show possession or the object of a verbal noun. Mastering these nuances allows you to express respect and recognition with precision.

As a Subject
'Kunnia kuuluu hänelle' (The honor belongs to him). Here, kunnia is the nominative subject.
In the Partitive
'Emme tavoittele pelkkää kunniaa' (We aren't seeking mere glory). Use the partitive after negative verbs or verbs of seeking.
In the Adessive
'Hän suoriutui tehtävästä kunnialla' (He managed the task with honor/creditably). The -lla ending creates an adverbial meaning of 'how' something was done.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb 'olla' (to be). 'On kunnia...' followed by an infinitive is the standard way to say 'It is an honor to...'. For example, 'On kunnia olla täällä' (It is an honor to be here). Notice that in Finnish, we don't usually use a personal pronoun like 'Minulla on kunnia' unless we want to emphasize 'I specifically have the honor.' The impersonal 'On kunnia' is more common and sounds more humble and formal. Another vital pattern is 'antaa kunnia' (to give credit). 'Anna kunnia sille, kenelle se kuuluu' (Give credit where credit is due) is a literal and figurative translation of the English idiom.

Meidän on puolustettava suvun kunniaa.

Translation: We must defend the family's honor.

Hänelle myönnettiin kunniajäsenyys.

Translation: He was granted honorary membership (compound word).

In modern Finland, you will encounter the word kunnia in several distinct environments. The most prominent is the ceremonial and official sphere. On December 6th, during Finland's Independence Day, the word is ubiquitous. The President awards medals of 'Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ritarikunta' (Order of the White Rose of Finland), and the citations often mention 'kunnia' and 'ansio' (merit). You will hear it in the national anthem, 'Maamme', where the lyrics speak of the land of our fathers and the honor we owe it. It's a word of high-register patriotism.

Secondly, kunnia is a staple in the legal and ethical world. Finnish law includes the concept of 'kunnianloukkaus' (defamation/libel), literally 'the wounding of honor.' If someone spreads lies about you to damage your reputation, they have attacked your 'kunnia.' This shows that even in a secular, modern legal system, the 'honor' of an individual is a protected legal asset. You might hear this in news reports about court cases or social media disputes.

In sports and competition, 'kunnia' is the ultimate prize beyond money. When a Finnish athlete wins a world championship, the media will say they brought 'kunniaa Suomelle' (honor to Finland). It is also used in the phrase 'kunniakierros' (lap of honor), which is the victory lap an athlete takes after a win. Even in local hobbyist competitions, the 'kunniapalkinto' (honorary prize) is a common award for someone who showed great spirit or effort, even if they didn't come in first place.

Pelaamme tänään kunnian puolesta.

Translation: We are playing for honor today (often said when the tournament is lost but one game remains).

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake is confusing kunnia with kunnioitus. While they share the same root, kunnia is the status or the glory itself (honor), whereas kunnioitus is the feeling of respect you have for someone else. You *have* kunnia, but you *feel* kunnioitus. If you say "Minulla on suuri kunnioitus sinua kohtaan," you are saying you respect the person. If you say "On kunnia tuntea sinut," you are saying it is an honor for *you* to know them. Mixing these up can change the tone of your sentence from humble to slightly confusing.

Another common error is related to the usage of 'credit.' In English, we say "Give credit to him." In Finnish, if you use 'kunnia' in a financial sense (like bank credit), you are making a mistake. Financial credit is 'luotto.' 'Kunnia' is only for moral or social credit. Additionally, learners often struggle with the prepositional logic. In English, we say "It's an honor *for* me." In Finnish, we don't use a preposition; we use the 'on' + nominative structure: 'Se on minulle kunnia' (It is to me an honor—using the allative case -lle).

Mistake: Kunnia vs. Maine
'Maine' is reputation/fame. You can have a 'huono maine' (bad reputation), but you can't really have a 'huono kunnia'. Kunnia is inherently positive; if it's gone, it's 'häpeä' (shame).
Mistake: Overusing it
Finnish culture is modest. Using 'kunnia' for small things (like 'it was an honor to buy this milk') sounds sarcastic or very strange. Save it for meaningful moments.

To truly master the semantic field of 'honor' in Finnish, you should understand how kunnia relates to its synonyms. While 'kunnia' is the broad term, other words offer more specific nuances depending on the context of respect, merit, or fame.

Arvo (Value/Worth)
Often used to describe the dignity of a person. 'Ihmisarvo' is human dignity. While 'kunnia' is earned, 'arvo' is often inherent.
Ansio (Merit/Earning)
This refers to the concrete achievements that lead to honor. You get 'kunnia' because of your 'ansiot'. It's also the word for 'earnings' or 'salary' in a professional context.
Maine (Reputation/Fame)
The external view of a person. 'Maine' can be good or bad, whereas 'kunnia' is a virtuous quality.
Ylistys (Praise/Glorification)
The verbal act of giving honor. This is more religious or highly poetic.

In everyday speech, if 'kunnia' feels too heavy, Finns might use 'arvostus' (appreciation/esteem). For example, 'Saan suurta arvostusta työstäni' (I get great appreciation for my work). This is more common in modern office environments than the more epic 'kunnia'. However, when you want to express the highest form of debt or recognition, 'kunnia' remains the only appropriate word.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

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중립

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비격식체

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Child friendly

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속어

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재미있는 사실

While the root means 'favor' in German, in Finnish it became the ultimate word for 'honor', showing how language can elevate a concept over centuries.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈkun.ni.ɑ/
US /ˈkun.ni.ɑ/
Always on the first syllable: KUN-nia.
라임이 맞는 단어
unnia munnia punnia sunnia tunnua (near rhyme) vunnia lunnia runnia
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the double 'n' as a single 'n' (kunia), which sounds wrong to Finns.
  • Aspirating the 'k' like in English 'king'. It should be 'dry'.
  • Merging the 'ia' into a single 'ya' sound.
  • Stressing the second syllable.
  • Making the 'u' sound like 'oo' in 'moon' (too long).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, usually follows regular patterns.

쓰기 3/5

Requires correct case usage (partitive vs. nominative).

말하기 3/5

The double 'n' can be tricky for English speakers.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

arvo hyvä kiitos mies nainen

다음에 배울 것

kunnioittaa maine ansio häpeä sisu

고급

kunnianloukkaus kunniatohtori kunnianosoitus ritarikunta velvollisuus

알아야 할 문법

Partitive for abstract objects

Hän sai kunniaa.

Genitive for possession

Maan kunnia.

Adessive for 'manner'

Hän selvisi kunnialla.

Allative for 'to someone'

Se on minulle kunnia.

Compound word formation

Kunnia + asia = kunnia-asia.

수준별 예문

1

On kunnia tavata sinut.

It is an honor to meet you.

Uses 'on' + nominative.

2

Tämä on suuri kunnia.

This is a great honor.

Basic subject-complement structure.

3

Kunnia hänelle!

Honor to him!

Exclamatory use.

4

Se on minulle kunnia.

It is an honor for me.

Uses allative 'minulle'.

5

Kiitos, se oli kunnia.

Thank you, it was an honor.

Past tense 'oli'.

6

Kuka saa kunnian?

Who gets the honor?

Genitive 'kunnian' as object.

7

Tämä on kunnia-asia.

This is a matter of honor.

Compound word.

8

Ei kunniaa ilman työtä.

No honor without work.

Partitive 'kunniaa' in negation.

1

Hän sai paljon kunniaa voitosta.

He got much honor from the victory.

Partitive 'kunniaa' with 'paljon'.

2

Se on suvun kunnia.

It is the family's honor.

Genitive 'suvun' showing possession.

3

Hän piti kunniasanansa.

He kept his word of honor.

Compound word 'kunniasana'.

4

Koulu antoi hänelle kunniakirjan.

The school gave him a certificate of honor.

Compound word 'kunniakirja'.

5

Hän teki sen kunnialla.

He did it with honor/creditably.

Adessive 'kunnialla' as an adverb.

6

Älä loukkaa toisen kunniaa.

Do not offend another's honor.

Imperative 'älä loukkaa'.

7

Meillä on kunnia esitellä vieras.

We have the honor to introduce the guest.

Formal introduction pattern.

8

Hän on kunniallinen mies.

He is an honorable man.

Adjective 'kunniallinen'.

1

On kunnia-asia pitää lupaukset.

It's a matter of honor to keep promises.

Abstract concept as subject.

2

Hän ei tavoittele omaa kunniaansa.

He does not seek his own glory.

Partitive + possessive suffix.

3

Joukkue pelasi kunnian puolesta.

The team played for honor.

Postposition 'puolesta'.

4

Hän palautti perheen kunnian.

He restored the family's honor.

Transitive verb 'palautti'.

5

Tämä mitali on suuri kunnianosoitus.

This medal is a great tribute/honor.

Compound word 'kunnianosoitus'.

6

Hän halusi päättää uransa kunnialla.

He wanted to end his career with credit.

Infinitive + adverbial case.

7

Kunnia ja maine seuraavat häntä.

Honor and fame follow him.

Double subject.

8

Hän on kunniajäsen seurassamme.

He is an honorary member in our club.

Compound word 'kunniajäsen'.

1

Hän puolusti kunniaansa oikeudessa.

He defended his honor in court.

Refers to legal 'kunnia'.

2

Onko kunnia tärkeämpää kuin raha?

Is honor more important than money?

Comparative 'tärkeämpää'.

3

Hän sai kunniatohtorin arvon.

He received the title of honorary doctor.

Academic terminology.

4

Hän ei halunnut ottaa kunniaa itselleen.

He didn't want to take the credit for himself.

Reflexive 'itselleen'.

5

Hän koki sen loukkauksena kunniaansa kohtaan.

He felt it as an insult to his honor.

Essive 'loukkauksena'.

6

Isänmaan kunnia vaatii uhrauksia.

The honor of the fatherland requires sacrifices.

Formal/patriotic register.

7

Hän on kunniakas sotilas.

He is a glorious soldier.

Adjective 'kunniakas'.

8

Hän sai kunnian saattaa kuningatar.

He had the honor of escorting the queen.

Infinitive as complement.

1

Kunnian ja häpeän rajaviiva on veteen piirretty.

The line between honor and shame is drawn in water (vague).

Metaphorical usage.

2

Hän kantoi vastuunsa kunniakkaasti loppuun asti.

He carried his responsibility gloriously to the end.

Adverb 'kunniakkaasti'.

3

Kunnianloukkaus on rangaistava teko.

Defamation is a punishable act.

Legal terminology.

4

Hän ei antanut periksi, vaan piti kunniastaan kiinni.

He didn't give in, but held onto his honor.

Phrasal verb 'pitää kiinni'.

5

Tämä on kunnianosoitus edesmenneille sankareille.

This is a tribute to the departed heroes.

Dative-like allative 'sankareille'.

6

Hänen kunniansa on tahraton.

His honor is spotless.

Adjective 'tahraton'.

7

Hän niitti kunniaa taistelukentillä.

He reaped glory on the battlefields.

Idiomatic 'niittää kunniaa'.

8

Se oli hänen elämänsä suurin kunniahetki.

It was the greatest moment of honor in his life.

Compound 'kunniahetki'.

1

Kunnian käsite on kokenut inflaation nykyajassa.

The concept of honor has experienced inflation in modern times.

Abstract philosophical discussion.

2

Hän eli ja kuoli kunnian miehenä.

He lived and died as a man of honor.

Essive 'miehenä'.

3

Ritariarvo oli korkein mahdollinen kunnianosoitus.

Knighthood was the highest possible honor.

Historical context.

4

Hän ei kaivannut maallista kunniaa tai mammonaa.

He did not long for worldly glory or riches.

Literary/archaic 'mammonaa'.

5

Kunnian menetys oli entisaikaan sosiaalinen kuolema.

Loss of honor was a social death in the old days.

Historical analysis.

6

Hän puolusti kantaansa kunnian ja omantunnon kautta.

He defended his position through honor and conscience.

Complex prepositional phrase.

7

Hän sai kunnian päättää juhlaillallinen puheellaan.

He had the honor of concluding the gala dinner with his speech.

Sophisticated sentence structure.

8

Tämä teos on kunnianosoitus suomalaiselle sisulle.

This work is a tribute to Finnish 'sisu'.

Cultural synthesis.

자주 쓰는 조합

saada kunniaa
antaa kunnia
puolustaa kunniaa
menettää kunnia
tuoda kunniaa
palauttaa kunnia
pitää kunniassa
kunnian jano
kunnian kukkula
kunnian päivä

자주 쓰는 구문

On kunnia...

— It is an honor to (do something).

On kunnia olla täällä tänään.

Kunnia-asia

— A matter of honor; something very important to do correctly.

Lupausten pitäminen on minulle kunnia-asia.

Kunniasana

— Word of honor; a strong promise.

Annan kunniasanani, että tulen.

Kunnialla loppuun

— To finish something successfully and respectably.

Hän saatti projektin kunnialla loppuun.

Kunnia ja maine

— Honor and fame; total social success.

Hän tavoitteli kunniaa ja mainetta.

Kenen kunniaksi?

— In whose honor?

Kenen kunniaksi tämä juhla on?

Kunniaksi ja iloksi

— For honor and joy (often in dedication).

Teimme tämän teidän kunniaksenne ja iloksenne.

Olla kunniaksi jollekulle

— To be a credit to someone/something.

Sinä olet kunniaksi tälle koululle.

Kunniavartiosto

— Honor guard.

Kunniavartiosto seisoi haudan äärellä.

Kunniakierros

— Lap of honor.

Juoksija teki kunniakierroksen lipun kanssa.

관용어 및 표현

"Kunnia mennyt, maine kasvaa"

— When honor is lost, one's (bad) reputation only grows. Used ironically about someone who doesn't care about their shame.

Hän vain jatkaa hölmöilyä; kunnia mennyt, maine kasvaa.

informal/ironic
"Niittää kunniaa"

— To reap honor; to be very successful and praised.

Hän on niittänyt kunniaa tiedemaailmassa.

formal
"Panna kunniansa pantiksi"

— To stake one's honor on something; to guarantee something absolutely.

Panen kunniani pantiksi, että hoidan tämän.

literary
"Kunnian kukkuloilla"

— At the peak of one's glory or success.

Hän oli uransa kunnian kukkuloilla 90-luvulla.

neutral
"Lastaa kunniaa jonkun niskaan"

— To heap honor/credit on someone.

He lastasivat kaiken kunnian johtajan niskaan.

informal
"Olla kunnian kukkulalla"

— To be at the height of fame.

Hän on nyt kunnian kukkulalla.

neutral
"Viedä kunnia"

— To take the credit (often unfairly).

Hän yritti viedä kunnian minun keksinnöstäni.

neutral
"Kunnia ja kehu"

— Honor and praise (all the accolades).

Hän sai kaiken kunnian ja kehun.

neutral
"Pitää kunniaa yllä"

— To maintain honor/standards.

Meidän täytyy pitää suvun kunniaa yllä.

neutral
"Kunnia-asema"

— A position of honor.

Hänellä on kunnia-asema tässä yhteisössä.

formal

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

관련

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'KUNingas' (king) who has 'KUNnia' (honor). Both start with KUN-.

시각적 연상

Imagine a shiny gold medal (kunnia) being pinned onto a chest in a grand hall.

Word Web

Honor Glory Respect Integrity Credit Reputation Medal Word

챌린지

Try to use 'kunnia-asia' once today when talking about a task you really care about.

어원

Kunnia is an old Germanic loanword. It is related to the Swedish 'gunst' and German 'Gunst' (favor), but its meaning in Finnish evolved toward 'honor'.

원래 의미: Favor, grace, or recognition from a superior.

Finno-Ugric (Finnish) with Germanic roots.

문화적 맥락

Be careful using 'kunnia' in casual slang; it can sound sarcastic if not careful. In legal contexts, 'kunnianloukkaus' is a serious accusation.

In English, 'honor' can sound a bit medieval or overly formal. In Finnish, it is still very much alive and used in professional and personal contexts.

The Finnish National Anthem (Maamme-laulu) mentions honor. The film 'Tuntematon sotilas' (The Unknown Soldier) explores the honor of soldiers. Linnan juhlat (Presidential Independence Day Reception) is the 'night of honor'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Sports Victory

  • Tuoda kunniaa maalle
  • Kunniakierros
  • Kunniapalkinto
  • Voiton kunnia

Formal Events

  • On kunnia olla täällä
  • Suuri kunnia
  • Kunniavieras
  • Tehdä kunniaa

Ethics/Morality

  • Kunnia-asia
  • Kunniasana
  • Kunniallinen mies
  • Menettää kunniansa

Legal/News

  • Kunnianloukkaus
  • Puolustaa kunniaansa
  • Kunnian palautus
  • Oikeuden päätös

Academic/Professional

  • Kunniatohtori
  • Kunniajäsen
  • Saada kunniaa
  • Työn kunnia

대화 시작하기

"Onko sinulle kunnia-asia tulla ajoissa paikalle?"

"Kuka on mielestäsi kaikkein kunniallisin ihminen?"

"Onko kunnia tärkeämpää kuin raha nykymaailmassa?"

"Mistä asiasta haluaisit saada kunniaa tulevaisuudessa?"

"Milloin olet tuntenut suurta kunniaa?"

일기 주제

Kirjoita tilanteesta, jossa tunsit suurta kunniaa. Miksi se oli tärkeää?

Pohdi, mitä 'kunnia' tarkoittaa sinulle arjessa. Onko se vanhanaikainen käsite?

Miten suomalainen kunnian käsite eroaa oman maasi käsityksestä?

Kirjoita puhe, jonka pitäisit, jos saisit suuren kunnianosoituksen.

Onko rehellisyys aina kunniallista? Perustele mielipiteesi.

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