At the A1 level, you should learn 'kunnioittaa' as a basic verb for showing respect to people you know, like teachers or parents. Focus on the simplest present tense form: 'Minä kunnioitan'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances. Just remember that it is a 'good' word to use when talking about people you look up to. You might use it in sentences like 'I respect my mother' or 'We respect the teacher'. It's important to start noticing that the person you respect has a different ending (the partitive case), even if you don't fully understand why yet. Think of it as a way to show politeness in Finnish. You will mostly hear this in school settings or when talking about family. It is a Type 1 verb, which means it follows the most common conjugation pattern in Finnish. Try to memorize the phrase 'Minä kunnioitan sinua' (I respect you) as a set expression. This will help you get used to the sound and the grammar simultaneously. Don't worry about using it for abstract things like 'laws' or 'nature' just yet; keep it focused on people in your immediate circle. Learning this word early shows that you are interested in the values of Finnish culture, where respect is very important.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'kunnioittaa' in more varied contexts, such as respecting rules or nature. You should be comfortable with the consonant gradation: 'kunnioittaa' (to respect) becomes 'kunnioitan' (I respect) with one 't'. You can now use it in the past tense to talk about people from history or your own past: 'Kunnioitin isoisääni' (I respected my grandfather). You should also practice using it with the third infinitive '-maan' after verbs of learning or beginning: 'Opin kunnioittamaan luontoa' (I learned to respect nature). At this level, you might encounter the word in simple news stories or public signs. For example, a sign might ask you to 'respect the peace of the neighborhood'. You should also begin to distinguish it from 'arvostaa' (to appreciate). While you might 'appreciate' a good cup of coffee, you 'respect' a person's rights. Practice making sentences that combine 'kunnioittaa' with common nouns in the partitive case, like 'opettajaa' (teacher), 'lakia' (law), or 'vanhempia' (parents). This will solidify your understanding of how the verb interacts with its objects. It is a great word to use when discussing hobbies or sports, where respecting the opponent is a key concept.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'kunnioittaa' fluently in both speech and writing. You should understand its role in Finnish society, particularly the importance of 'kunnioittaa toisen yksityisyyttä' (respecting another's privacy). You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as using it in the passive voice: 'Häntä kunnioitetaan koko maassa' (He is respected throughout the country). You should also be able to use it with abstract objects like 'perinteitä' (traditions), 'ihmisoikeuksia' (human rights), and 'mielipiteitä' (opinions). This is the level where you start using adverbs to modify the intensity of the respect, such as 'syvästi' (deeply) or 'erityisesti' (especially). You will hear this word in work meetings, where colleagues discuss respecting deadlines or each other's expertise. It's also a good time to learn the noun form 'kunnioitus' (respect) and how it differs from the verb. You should be able to participate in a discussion about cultural differences and use 'kunnioittaa' to explain how you value different perspectives. In writing, you can use it to conclude formal letters or to describe professional relationships in a CV. The verb's connection to the partitive case should now be second nature to you, allowing you to focus more on the nuance of the message rather than just the grammar.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'kunnioittaa' and its synonyms. You can use it to discuss complex ethical issues, such as 'kunnioittaa itsemääräämisoikeutta' (respecting the right to self-determination). You should be able to recognize and use the word in formal, academic, or legal contexts. For instance, you might read about 'kunnioittaa sopimusehtoja' (respecting contract terms) or 'kunnioittaa tekijänoikeuksia' (respecting copyrights). You are also capable of using the verb in conditional and potential moods: 'Meidän tulisi kunnioittaa...' (We should respect...). At this level, you can appreciate the stylistic difference between 'kunnioittaa' and more colloquial or specific terms. You might use the verb in a debate to show that you acknowledge your opponent's point of view before presenting your own. You should also be aware of the frequentative form 'kunnioitella', which can sometimes carry a slightly different tone, perhaps indicating a series of respectful acts. Your understanding of the word should extend to its use in literature and high-level journalism, where it is often used to frame national identity or historical memory. You can explain the deep cultural significance of 'luonnon kunnioittaminen' (respecting nature) in Finland and how it influences legislation and daily life.
At the C1 level, you use 'kunnioittaa' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in different registers, from the highly formal language of the President's New Year's speech to the professional jargon of corporate ethics. You can use the verb to express subtle shades of meaning, perhaps pairing it with specific adjectives or using it in metaphorical ways. You are comfortable with all its derived forms, such as 'kunnioitettava' (respectable/honorable) and 'kunnioittavasti' (respectfully). You can analyze how the word is used in Finnish philosophy or political discourse to build consensus or define boundaries. You should be able to write an essay on 'monikulttuurisuus ja toisten kunnioittaminen' (multiculturalism and respecting others) using a wide range of vocabulary. At this level, you also recognize when *not* to use 'kunnioittaa'—for instance, when 'vaalia' (to cherish/nurture) or 'toteuttaa' (to implement) might be more appropriate in a specific context. You can handle the word in fast-paced debates, using it to set a tone of mutual esteem or to point out where respect has been lacking. Your command of the partitive case and consonant gradation is flawless, allowing you to focus entirely on the rhetorical impact of your choice of words.
At the C2 level, you have mastered 'kunnioittaa' to the point where you can play with its meaning and use it with absolute stylistic confidence. You can use it in creative writing to evoke a specific atmosphere, perhaps a somber ceremony or a moment of profound personal realization. You understand its historical etymology and how its usage has evolved in the Finnish language over centuries. You can interpret the word in the context of Finnish 'sisu' and how respecting one's own limits is as important as respecting others. You are able to translate complex philosophical or legal texts from English to Finnish, choosing 'kunnioittaa' or its alternatives with perfect accuracy. You can appreciate the use of the word in classic Finnish literature, such as the works of Väinö Linna or Mika Waltari, and discuss how the concept of respect has changed since those times. In professional or diplomatic settings, you use the word to navigate delicate situations with grace and authority. You can also identify and use rare or archaic forms of the word for stylistic effect. Your mastery is such that you can explain the 'unspoken' respect in Finnish culture—the silence that signifies deep esteem—and how the verb 'kunnioittaa' gives voice to that silence.

kunnioittaa 30초 만에

  • Kunnioittaa means to respect or honor someone or something.
  • It is a Type 1 verb that requires the partitive case for its object.
  • It undergoes consonant gradation (tt -> t) in many of its forms.
  • It is used for people, nature, laws, traditions, and abstract values.

The Finnish verb kunnioittaa is a cornerstone of Finnish social interaction and ethical behavior. At its core, it translates to 'to respect' or 'to honor'. However, in the Finnish linguistic landscape, it carries a weight that often transcends the casual English 'respect'. It implies a deep-seated recognition of someone's value, achievements, or authority. Whether you are speaking about respecting your elders, honoring a historical figure, or observing the silence of the Finnish wilderness, kunnioittaa is the verb that bridges the gap between internal feeling and external action.

Social Hierarchy and Etiquette
In Finnish culture, respect is often earned through actions rather than titles. When you use kunnioittaa in a social context, you are acknowledging that the person has demonstrated qualities worthy of esteem. It is frequently used in formal speeches, obituaries, and descriptions of professional relationships.
Respecting Nature
For Finns, nature is not just a resource but a sacred space. To kunnioittaa luontoa (respect nature) means to leave no trace, to follow the 'Everyman's Rights' responsibly, and to acknowledge the power of the environment. This usage is pervasive in environmental education and national identity discussions.
Abstract Concepts and Rules
The verb is also used for obeying laws, following traditions, or adhering to a certain philosophy. To kunnioittaa sääntöjä is to respect the rules, implying an understanding of why the rules exist rather than just blind obedience.

Meidän tulee aina kunnioittaa toistemme mielipiteitä, vaikka olisimme eri mieltä.

— Translation: We must always respect each other's opinions, even if we disagree.

Hän on mies, jota kaikki kollegat kunnioittavat suuresti.

— Translation: He is a man whom all colleagues respect greatly.

Furthermore, kunnioittaa is often used in the context of memory and legacy. When a community holds a moment of silence, they kunnioittavat vainajan muistoa (honor the memory of the deceased). This deep connection to the past and to the integrity of individuals makes it one of the most 'serious' and significant verbs in the Finnish language, far removed from the superficiality of modern social media 'likes'. It is about a lasting, profound estimation of worth.

Using kunnioittaa correctly involves understanding its grammatical requirements and the nuances of Finnish sentence structure. Because it is a verb of emotion and attitude, it behaves predictably but requires attention to the object case. In Finnish, verbs of 'feeling' or 'attitude' towards someone usually trigger the partitive case. Therefore, the person or thing being respected will end in partitive suffixes like -a, -ä, -ta, or -tä.

Direct Object Construction
The most common structure is [Subject] + [Kunnioittaa] + [Object in Partitive]. For example: 'Minä kunnioitan sinua' (I respect you). Note that 'sinua' is the partitive form of 'sinä'. This structure is used for people, institutions, and abstract concepts.
Adverbial Modification
To describe how someone respects another, we use adverbs like 'syvästi' (deeply), 'suuresti' (greatly), or 'vilpittömästi' (sincerely). Example: 'Kansakunta kunnioitti syvästi sankariaan' (The nation deeply honored its hero).

Oppilaat oppivat kunnioittamaan opettajaa.

— Translation: The students learn to respect the teacher. (Note the third infinitive -maan after 'oppia').

On tärkeää kunnioittaa pelisääntöjä urheilussa.

— Translation: It is important to respect the rules of the game in sports.

In professional writing, you will often see it in the passive form: 'Häntä kunnioitetaan asiantuntijana' (He/She is respected as an expert). This highlights the general consensus of respect within a community. Another common pattern is using the verb to express adherence to a schedule or a deadline: 'Pyydämme teitä kunnioittamaan annettua aikataulua' (We ask you to respect the given schedule). This shows the versatility of the word from deep emotional honor to practical compliance.

While kunnioittaa might sound formal, it is frequently heard in various everyday and professional contexts in Finland. Understanding where it appears helps in grasping its cultural significance.

The Workplace and Professionalism
In Finnish offices, 'mutual respect' is a key value. You will hear phrases like 'Meillä kunnioitetaan kaikkien työpanosta' (We respect everyone's work contribution). It is also common in feedback sessions where a manager might say they respect an employee's honesty or vision.
News and Media
Journalists use the word when reporting on international relations or significant local events. For instance, 'Molemmat osapuolet lupasivat kunnioittaa tulitaukoa' (Both sides promised to respect the ceasefire). It carries a sense of official commitment.
Sports and Competition
Finnish sports culture emphasizes 'reilu peli' (fair play). Coaches often tell players to 'kunnioittaa vastustajaa' (respect the opponent). This isn't just about politeness; it's about acknowledging the skill and effort of the competition.

Haluamme kunnioittaa perinteitä tässä juhlassa.

— Translation: We want to respect/honor traditions in this celebration.

Presidentti kunnioitti tilaisuutta läsnäolollaan.

— Translation: The President honored the occasion with his presence.

In academic settings, researchers are expected to kunnioittaa tieteellistä etiikkaa (respect scientific ethics). This involves proper citation and integrity. Essentially, anywhere there is a standard to be upheld or a value to be recognized, kunnioittaa is the operational word. It is a word of high-status alignment and social glue in Finland.

Learning to use kunnioittaa correctly involves avoiding a few common pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. These mistakes range from grammatical errors to subtle misapplications of meaning.

Wrong Object Case
The most frequent mistake is using the nominative or accusative case instead of the partitive. Beginners might say 'Minä kunnioitan sinä' (wrong) instead of 'Minä kunnioitan sinua' (correct). Because respect is an ongoing state or attitude, the partitive is mandatory.
Confusing with 'Arvostaa'
While 'kunnioittaa' and 'arvostaa' (to appreciate/value) are similar, they are not always interchangeable. 'Arvostaa' is more common for liking someone's work or style, whereas 'kunnioittaa' implies a deeper, often more formal level of reverence or obedience to a principle.

Minä kunnioitan säännöt.

Minä kunnioitan sääntöjä.

— The object 'sääntöjä' must be in the partitive plural.

Hän kunnioittaa vanhempiaan.

— Correct: He respects his parents. (Note: 'vanhempiaan' is partitive plural + possessive suffix).

Another mistake is forgetting the consonant gradation. Learners often say 'Me kunnioittamme' (wrong) instead of 'Me kunnioitamme' (correct). The 'tt' changes to 't' in the 'we', 'you (plural)', and 'I/you (singular)' forms. Keeping these grammatical rules in mind will ensure your use of this high-value word is both accurate and respectful in itself.

While kunnioittaa is the standard for 'to respect', Finnish offers several alternatives depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding these differences will enrich your vocabulary and make your Finnish sound more natural.

Arvostaa (To Value/Appreciate)
This is the most common alternative. Use arvostaa when you want to say you think highly of someone's work, opinion, or effort. It is slightly less formal and more about 'valuing' than 'revering'. Example: 'Arvostan apuasi' (I appreciate your help).
Palvoa (To Worship/Adore)
This is much stronger than respect. It implies religious worship or extreme fan-like adoration. You wouldn't use this for a colleague unless you were being hyperbolic. Example: 'Fanit palvovat tähteä' (The fans worship the star).
Noudattaa (To Follow/Comply)
When 'respecting' means 'following rules or instructions', noudattaa is often more precise. While you can kunnioittaa lakia (respect the law), you noudatat lakia (obey/follow the law) in daily practice.

Meidän täytyy noudattaa näitä sääntöjä.

— Translation: We must follow these rules. (A more practical alternative to 'respecting' them).

Hän arvostaa rehellisyyttäsi.

— Translation: He values/appreciates your honesty.

Other less common synonyms include kunnioitella (a frequentative form, sometimes used ironically or to show continuous small acts of respect) and pitää arvossa (to hold in high esteem). In very formal or poetic contexts, you might see kunnioittaa used alongside ylistää (to praise). Choosing the right synonym depends entirely on whether you are talking about a person's soul, their work, or their rules.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'kunnia' is also related to the concept of 'fame' in some older contexts, suggesting that to respect someone was to acknowledge their public reputation.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈkun.ni.oi̯t.tɑː/
US /ˈkun.ni.oi̯t.tɑː/
Primary stress is always on the first syllable: KUN-ni-oit-taa.
라임이 맞는 단어
aloittaa ilmoittaa tarkoittaa kirjoittaa karoittaa sijoittaa rajoittaa valloittaa
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing double 'n' as a single 'n'.
  • Pronouncing double 't' as a single 't'.
  • Stress on the second or third syllable.
  • Merging the 'oi' diphthong into a single vowel sound.
  • Mispronouncing the final 'aa' as a short 'a'.

난이도

독해 3/5

The word is long but follows standard Finnish spelling rules.

쓰기 4/5

Requires remembering the double 'n', double 'i', and consonant gradation.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if you handle the long consonants correctly.

듣기 3/5

Clearly audible in formal and semi-formal speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

kunnia arvostaa ihminen sääntö luonto

다음에 배울 것

kunnioitus kunnioitettava arvokkuus rehellisyys luottamus

고급

itsemääräämisoikeus suvereniteetti arvostelu nöyryys ylpeys

알아야 할 문법

Partitive Case for Objects of Emotion

Kunnioitan *häntä*.

Consonant Gradation (Type 1 Verbs)

Kunnioittaa -> Kunnioitan (tt -> t).

Third Infinitive (-maan) after Learning Verbs

Opin kunnioittamaan.

Passive Voice Formation

Kunnioitetaan.

Possessive Suffixes with Partitive Objects

Kunnioitan vanhempi*ani*.

수준별 예문

1

Minä kunnioitan opettajaa.

I respect the teacher.

The object 'opettajaa' is in the partitive case.

2

Lapset kunnioittavat vanhempiaan.

Children respect their parents.

The verb is in the 3rd person plural (kunnioittavat).

3

Kunnioitatko sinä minua?

Do you respect me?

Question form with the suffix -ko.

4

Me kunnioitamme luontoa.

We respect nature.

Consonant gradation: tt -> t in the 'me' form.

5

Hän ei kunnioita sääntöjä.

He/she does not respect the rules.

Negative form: 'ei' + verb stem (kunnioita).

6

Kunnioita toisia!

Respect others!

Imperative (command) form.

7

On hyvä kunnioittaa vanhoja ihmisiä.

It is good to respect old people.

Infinitive form after 'on hyvä'.

8

Kunnioitamme isänpäivää.

We honor Father's Day.

The object 'isänpäivää' is in the partitive.

1

Hän alkoi kunnioittaa minun mielipidettäni.

He started to respect my opinion.

Infinitive after 'alkoi'.

2

Kunnioitimme hiljaisen hetken ajan.

We respected/honored a moment of silence.

Past tense (imperfektit) form.

3

On tärkeää kunnioittaa lakia.

It is important to respect the law.

The object 'lakia' is partitive.

4

Hän on kunnioittanut perinteitä aina.

He has always respected traditions.

Perfect tense (on kunnioittanut).

5

Haluatko, että kunnioitan sinua?

Do you want me to respect you?

Subordinate clause with 'että'.

6

Urheilijat kunnioittavat vastustajiaan.

Athletes respect their opponents.

Partitive plural + possessive suffix (vastustajiaan).

7

Meidän täytyy kunnioittaa aikataulua.

We must respect the schedule.

Necessive structure (Meidän täytyy).

8

Hän kunnioittaa työtäsi.

He respects your work.

3rd person singular present tense.

1

Häntä kunnioitetaan hänen saavutustensa vuoksi.

He is respected because of his achievements.

Passive present tense (kunnioitetaan).

2

Meidän pitäisi kunnioittaa toistemme yksityisyyttä.

We should respect each other's privacy.

Conditional mood (pitäisi).

3

Hän ei kunnioittanut annettua lupasta.

He did not respect the given promise.

Negative past tense (ei kunnioittanut).

4

Kunnioittakaamme sankarivainajien muistoa.

Let us honor the memory of the fallen heroes.

Imperative 1st person plural (kunnioittakaamme).

5

On vaikea kunnioittaa ihmistä, joka valehtelee.

It is hard to respect a person who lies.

Relative clause with 'joka'.

6

Hän kunnioittaa syvästi isänsä elämäntyötä.

He deeply respects his father's life's work.

Adverb 'syvästi' modifies the verb.

7

Yrityksen on kunnioitettava ympäristöarvoja.

The company must respect environmental values.

Passive present participle (kunnioitettava) in a necessive structure.

8

Kunnioitatteko te tätä päätöstä?

Do you (plural) respect this decision?

2nd person plural question.

1

Demokratiassa on tärkeää kunnioittaa vähemmistöjen oikeuksia.

In a democracy, it is important to respect the rights of minorities.

Abstract plural object (oikeuksia).

2

Hän on aina pyrkinyt kunnioittamaan totuutta.

He has always strived to respect the truth.

Infinitive after 'pyrkinyt'.

3

Kunnioitettaisiinko meitä enemmän, jos olisimme rikkaita?

Would we be respected more if we were rich?

Passive conditional (kunnioitettaisiinko).

4

On välttämätöntä kunnioittaa tekijänoikeuslakia.

It is necessary to respect the copyright law.

Compound noun object (tekijänoikeuslakia).

5

Hän kunnioitti tilaisuutta arvokkaalla puheellaan.

He honored the occasion with his dignified speech.

Adessive case (puheellaan) expressing the means.

6

Meidän on opittava kunnioittamaan erilaisia kulttuureja.

We must learn to respect different cultures.

Chain of verbs: on opittava kunnioittamaan.

7

Hän ei tunnu kunnioittavan kenenkään auktoriteettia.

He doesn't seem to respect anyone's authority.

Present participle (kunnioittavan) after 'tuntua'.

8

Kunnioittakaa toistenne vakaumusta.

Respect each other's convictions/beliefs.

Imperative plural.

1

Tutkijan on kunnioitettava tieteellisen tutkimuksen eettisiä periaatteita.

A researcher must respect the ethical principles of scientific research.

Complex noun phrase as an object.

2

Hän on laajasti kunnioitettu asiantuntija omalla alallaan.

He is a widely respected expert in his field.

Past passive participle (kunnioitettu) used as an adjective.

3

Valtion tulee kunnioittaa kansainvälisiä sopimuksia.

The state must respect international agreements.

Formal verb 'tulee' expressing necessity.

4

Hän puhui kunnioittavaan sävyyn esimiehelleen.

He spoke in a respectful tone to his superior.

Present active participle (kunnioittavaan) as an adjective.

5

Kunnioitus on ansaittava, sitä ei voi vaatia.

Respect must be earned; it cannot be demanded.

Noun form 'kunnioitus' used as a subject.

6

Emme voi olla kunnioittamatta hänen rohkeuttaan.

We cannot help but respect his courage.

Double negative construction (emme voi olla kunnioittamatta).

7

Hän kunnioitti testamentissaan edesmenneen puolisonsa toiveita.

In his will, he respected the wishes of his late spouse.

Past tense with a complex possessive object.

8

Onko mahdollista kunnioittaa vihollista?

Is it possible to respect an enemy?

Philosophical question structure.

1

Kirjailija kunnioitti teoksessaan suomen kielen rikkautta ja vivahteikkuutta.

In his work, the author honored the richness and nuance of the Finnish language.

Abstract literary context.

2

Diplomatia edellyttää vastapuolen suvereniteetin ehdotonta kunnioittamista.

Diplomacy requires the absolute respect of the other party's sovereignty.

Verbal noun (kunnioittamista) in the partitive.

3

Hän onnistui säilyttämään kunnioitettavan etäisyyden aiheeseensa.

He managed to maintain a respectable distance from his subject.

Adjective 'kunnioitettavan' used figuratively.

4

Kunnioittakaamme tätä pyhää paikkaa hiljaisuudella.

Let us honor this sacred place with silence.

Imperative with adessive of manner.

5

Hänen käytöksensä ei kunnioittanut tilanteen vakavuutta.

His behavior did not respect the seriousness of the situation.

Abstract object (vakavuutta).

6

Kunnioittava suhtautuminen on kaiken yhteistyön perusta.

A respectful attitude is the basis of all cooperation.

Participial adjective modifying a noun.

7

Hän on kunnioitettavan iäkäs ja viisas mies.

He is a respectably aged and wise man.

Adverbial use of 'kunnioitettavan'.

8

Sopimuksen henkeä on kunnioitettava, ei vain sen kirjainta.

The spirit of the agreement must be respected, not just its letter.

Metaphorical use of 'henkeä'.

자주 쓰는 조합

kunnioittaa lakia
kunnioittaa perinteitä
kunnioittaa luontoa
kunnioittaa muistoa
kunnioittaa toisia
kunnioittaa päätöstä
kunnioittaa yksityisyyttä
kunnioittaa sopimusta
kunnioittaa auktoriteettia
kunnioittaa itsemääräämisoikeutta

자주 쓰는 구문

Kunnioittaen

— A formal closing in letters, similar to 'Respectfully' or 'Yours sincerely'.

Kunnioittaen, Matti Meikäläinen.

Kunnioittaa hiljaisella hetkellä

— To honor someone with a moment of silence.

Yleisö kunnioitti vainajaa hiljaisella hetkellä.

Kunnioittaa toisen tilaa

— To respect someone's personal space.

On tärkeää kunnioittaa toisen tilaa bussissa.

Kunnioittaa vanhempiaan

— To respect one's parents, a classic moral value.

Hän on aina kunnioittanut vanhempiaan.

Kunnioittaa sääntöjä

— To follow the rules of a game or society.

Pelaajien on kunnioitettava sääntöjä.

Kunnioittaa itsekunnioitusta

— To have or respect self-respect.

Hänellä on vahva itsekunnioitus.

Kunnioittaa työn tuloksia

— To respect the results of work/effort.

Kunnioitamme tiimin kovaa työtä.

Kunnioittaa erilaisuutta

— To respect diversity or differences between people.

Koulussa opetetaan kunnioittamaan erilaisuutta.

Kunnioittaa lakia ja järjestystä

— To respect law and order.

Poliisi valvoo, että lakia ja järjestystä kunnioitetaan.

Kunnioittaa kuolleen tahtoa

— To respect the will of the deceased.

Suku halusi kunnioittaa kuolleen tahtoa.

자주 혼동되는 단어

kunnioittaa vs arvostaa

Arvostaa is more about 'valuing' or 'appreciating' skills, while kunnioittaa is about 'honoring' the person or principle.

kunnioittaa vs tottelee

Tottelee means 'to obey' (actions), while kunnioittaa is the 'attitude' of respect.

kunnioittaa vs kumartaa

Kumartaa is the physical act of bowing, often used metaphorically for respect, but kunnioittaa is the general verb.

관용어 및 표현

"Kunnioittaa jotakuta läsnäolollaan"

— To honor an event or person by attending it (often used for high-status people).

Presidentti kunnioitti juhlaa läsnäolollaan.

formal
"Kunnioittaa harmaita hapsia"

— To respect old age (literally: to respect grey hairs).

Nuorten tulisi kunnioittaa harmaita hapsia.

literary/old-fashioned
"Kunnioittaa lakia kuin raamattua"

— To respect the law absolutely and without question.

Hän kunnioittaa lakia kuin raamattua.

idiomatic
"Kunnioittaa tyhjää"

— To respect nothing (often used to describe someone rebellious).

Tuo poika ei kunnioita tyhjääkään.

informal
"Kunnioittaa veriuran perintöä"

— To honor a legacy of hard work or sacrifice.

Meidän on kunnioitettava esi-isiemme veriuraa.

poetic
"Kunnioittaa hiljaisuutta"

— To value silence as a form of respect or peace.

Suomalaiset osaavat kunnioittaa hiljaisuutta.

cultural
"Kunnioittaa vastustajaa"

— To show sportsmanship by acknowledging the opponent's skill.

Hän kunnioitti vastustajaa häviön jälkeen.

sports
"Kunnioittaa luonnon voimia"

— To acknowledge that nature is more powerful than man.

Merellä on pakko kunnioittaa luonnon voimia.

neutral
"Kunnioittaa totuuden henkeä"

— To act with integrity and honesty.

Hän kunnioittaa aina totuuden henkeä.

philosophical
"Kunnioittaa yhteistä hyvää"

— To act in a way that benefits the whole community.

Päätöksenteossa on kunnioitettava yhteistä hyvää.

political

혼동하기 쉬운

kunnioittaa vs kunnostaa

Similar spelling (kun-).

Kunnostaa means 'to renovate' or 'to repair'. Kunnioittaa means 'to respect'.

Hän kunnostaa vanhan talon.

kunnioittaa vs kunnioitella

Same root.

Kunnioitella is frequentative and can be ironic or mean 'showing small signs of respect'.

Älä kunnioittele minua noin paljoa!

kunnioittaa vs kannustaa

Similar sound.

Kannustaa means 'to encourage' or 'to cheer'.

Me kannustamme joukkuetta.

kunnioittaa vs kuunnella

Starts with 'kuu-'.

Kuunnella means 'to listen'.

Kuuntele minua!

kunnioittaa vs kunnioitus

Noun vs Verb.

Kunnioitus is the noun 'respect'.

Hän ansaitsee kunnioitusta.

문장 패턴

A1

Minä kunnioitan [Partitive Object].

Minä kunnioitan sinua.

A2

[Subject] kunnioitti [Partitive Object].

Hän kunnioitti opettajaa.

B1

On tärkeää kunnioittaa [Partitive Object].

On tärkeää kunnioittaa lakia.

B1

[Object] kunnioitetaan [Reason].

Häntä kunnioitetaan työstään.

B2

[Subject] on kunnioittanut [Partitive Object] jo vuosia.

Me olemme kunnioittaneet tätä perinnettä jo vuosia.

C1

Emme voi olla kunnioittamatta [Partitive Object].

Emme voi olla kunnioittamatta hänen valintaansa.

C2

[Subject] kunnioitti [Object] [Adessive of manner].

Hän kunnioitti muistoa hiljaisuudella.

C2

[Verbal Noun] on välttämätöntä.

Lain kunnioittaminen on välttämätöntä.

어휘 가족

명사

kunnioitus (respect)
kunnioittaja (one who respects/admirer)
kunnioitettavuus (respectability)

동사

kunnioitella (to respect repeatedly/ironically)
kunnioittautua (to present oneself respectfully - rare)

형용사

kunnioitettu (respected/honored)
kunnioittava (respectful)
kunnioitettava (respectable/honorable)

관련

kunnia (honor)
kunniallinen (honorable)
kunnianhimoinen (ambitious)
kunniamerkki (medal of honor)
kunnioituksella (with respect)

사용법

frequency

High in formal and serious contexts; medium in daily speech.

자주 하는 실수
  • Minä kunnioitan sinä. Minä kunnioitan sinua.

    The object must be in the partitive case.

  • Me kunnioittamme häntä. Me kunnioitamme häntä.

    Consonant gradation: 'tt' changes to 't' in the 'me' form.

  • Hän kunioittaa luontoa. Hän kunnioittaa luontoa.

    The word must have two 'n's (from 'kunnia').

  • Kunnioitan sinun työtä. Arvostan sinun työtäsi.

    While not strictly wrong, 'arvostaa' is much more natural for 'valuing' someone's work.

  • Hän ei kunnioittaa sääntöjä. Hän ei kunnioita sääntöjä.

    In negative sentences, use the verb stem without the personal ending.

Partitive is Key

Always check that your object is in the partitive case. 'Minä kunnioitan *sinua*' (not 'sinä').

Finnish Silence

In Finland, giving someone space and silence is a form of 'kunnioittaa'. Don't feel the need to fill every silence.

Derived Forms

Learn 'kunnioitus' (noun) and 'kunnioitettu' (adj) together with the verb to expand your range quickly.

Double Consonants

Practice the 'nn' and 'tt' sounds. They should be twice as long as single consonants.

Nature First

Use 'kunnioittaa' when talking about Finnish forests or lakes to show you understand local values.

Formal Closings

Use 'Kunnioittaen' in emails to professors or government officials.

Earned Respect

Remember that in Finland, respect is often earned through 'sisu' and hard work.

Gradation Check

Only the 3rd person singular (hän) and plural (he) keep the double 'tt'. Others use 't'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'kunnioittaa' on the news, it usually refers to international treaties or laws.

The 'Kun' Root

Associate 'Kun-' with 'King'. You respect a King.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'KUN' as 'King' and 'OITTAA' as 'Action'. You treat a King with 'Kunnioittaa'.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person bowing deeply before a majestic forest or an elderly person. This visual of 'bowing' represents the internal act of 'kunnioittaa'.

Word Web

kunnia kunnioitus kunnioitettu kunnioittava arvostaa noudattaa palvoa ylistää

챌린지

Try to use 'kunnioittaa' in three different sentences today: one about a person, one about nature, and one about a rule.

어원

Derived from the Finnish root 'kunnia', which means 'honor' or 'glory'. The root is a loanword from Old Swedish 'kunna' or related Germanic roots, but it has been integrated into Finnish for centuries. The suffix '-oittaa' is a common causative or factitive verb-forming suffix.

원래 의미: To bring honor to someone or to treat someone with honor.

Uralic (Finnic) with Germanic influence for the root.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'kunnioittaa' with very young children; 'tottelee' (obeys) is more common for behavior, while 'kunnioittaa' is for the underlying attitude.

In English, 'respect' can be very casual ('Respect, man!'). In Finnish, 'kunnioittaa' remains quite formal and serious.

The Finnish national anthem mentions 'kunnia' (honor). Jean Sibelius is a 'kunnioitettu' (respected) figure in Finnish music. Mannerheim is often spoken of with 'kunnioitus'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At school

  • Kunnioita opettajaa.
  • Kunnioita luokkatovereitasi.
  • Kunnioita koulun sääntöjä.
  • Kunnioita toisen työrauhaa.

In nature

  • Kunnioita luonnon rauhaa.
  • Kunnioita eläimiä.
  • Kunnioita jokamiehenoikeuksia.
  • Kunnioita metsää.

At work

  • Kunnioita kollegoitasi.
  • Kunnioita aikatauluja.
  • Kunnioita esimiehen päätöstä.
  • Kunnioita asiakasta.

In a relationship

  • Kunnioita kumppaniasi.
  • Kunnioita toisen rajoja.
  • Kunnioita toisen tunteita.
  • Kunnioita toisen menneisyyttä.

Legal/Official

  • Kunnioita lakia.
  • Kunnioita sopimusta.
  • Kunnioita ihmisoikeuksia.
  • Kunnioita viranomaisia.

대화 시작하기

"Mitä asioita sinä kunnioitat eniten elämässä?"

"Ketä suomalaista henkilöä sinä kunnioitat ja miksi?"

"Onko vaikeaa kunnioittaa ihmistä, jonka kanssa on eri mieltä?"

"Miten voimme opettaa lapsia kunnioittamaan luontoa?"

"Mitä 'kunnioitus' merkitsee sinun kulttuurissasi?"

일기 주제

Kirjoita henkilöstä, jota kunnioitat syvästi. Mitkä ominaisuudet tekevät hänestä kunnioitettavan?

Pohdi tilannetta, jossa sinun oli vaikea kunnioittaa jotakin sääntöä. Mitä teit?

Miten kunnioitus näkyy jokapäiväisessä elämässäsi?

Miksi on tärkeää kunnioittaa itseään ennen kuin voi kunnioittaa muita?

Kirjoita siitä, miten haluaisit muiden kunnioittavan sinua.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not necessarily, but it is a 'serious' word. You can use it with friends if you are speaking about something important, like 'I respect your decision'. However, for casual 'liking', 'arvostaa' is more common.

The object almost always takes the partitive case because respect is considered an ongoing state or an attitude towards someone, not a completed action with a physical result.

Think of 'arvostaa' as 'to value' (like valuing a good worker) and 'kunnioittaa' as 'to honor' (like honoring a war hero or a parent). 'Kunnioittaa' is deeper and more formal.

It is 'me kunnioitamme'. Notice that the double 'tt' changes to a single 't' (consonant gradation).

Yes, 'kunnioittaa sääntöjä' is very common. It implies you understand the value of the rules, not just that you are forced to follow them.

The most common opposite is 'halveksia' (to despise) or 'ylönkatsoa' (to look down upon).

Yes, 'luonnon kunnioittaminen' is a huge part of Finnish culture. It means treating the environment with care.

You can say 'Minua kunnioitetaan' (passive) or 'Olen kunnioitettu' (adjective).

It is always 'kunnioittaa' with two 'n's. The root is 'kunnia'.

It is the equivalent of 'Yours sincerely' or 'Respectfully'. It is the standard way to end a formal letter in Finland.

셀프 테스트 190 질문

writing

Write a sentence using 'kunnioittaa' in the present tense about your teacher.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about respecting nature.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal closing for a letter.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He is a respected scientist.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a negative sentence: 'I don't respect him.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'kunnioittaa' in the past tense.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use the conditional mood: 'I would respect you if...'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about respecting the law.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Let us honor the memory of the dead.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about why self-respect is important.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a person you respect.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about respecting an opponent in sports.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Respect others as you respect yourself.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the passive voice 'kunnioitetaan'.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a question: 'Do you respect me?'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about respecting a deadline.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Respect the peace of the forest.'

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'kunnioittava' (adjective).

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about respecting human rights.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain what 'kunnioitus' means to you in Finnish.

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

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I respect you' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'We respect nature' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Respect the rules' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I respect my parents' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'He is respected' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'It is important to respect others' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Let's honor the memory' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I learned to respect' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Respectfully yours' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I respect your choice' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Do you respect the law?' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'She respects me' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'They respect traditions' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I don't respect lies' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'We must respect each other' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Respect the silence' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I respect him as a person' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Who do you respect?' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'I respect your time' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Self-respect is important' in Finnish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Minä kunnioitan sinua.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Me kunnioitamme luontoa.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kunnioita sääntöjä.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Hän kunnioittaa vanhempiaan.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Häntä kunnioitetaan asiantuntijana.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Opin kunnioittamaan hiljaisuutta.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kunnioittakaamme muistoa.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'En kunnioita häntä.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kunnioitatko sinä minua?'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'He kunnioittavat perinteitä.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'On tärkeää kunnioittaa toisia.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kunnioittaen, Matti.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Kunnioita luonnon rauhaa.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Meidän on kunnioitettava lakia.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Hän on kunnioitettu mies.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 190 correct

Perfect score!

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