Meaning
Stopping an effort.
Cultural Background
The refusal to 'antaa periksi' is linked to the national mythos of Sisu. It is seen as a defining trait of the Finnish people, especially in the face of nature or war. In ice hockey, fans often chant 'Taistele!' (Fight!) to prevent the team from 'antamasta periksi'. Giving up is the ultimate sin in Finnish sports. There is a growing movement in Finland to recognize 'burnout'. Modern tutors might say that sometimes you *should* give periksi for your health. Traditional parenting emphasized not giving periksi to a child's tantrums to build their character, though this is softening in modern times.
The Sisu Connection
Use this phrase to talk about Sisu. Saying 'Hän ei anna periksi' is the ultimate compliment for a Finn.
Don't translate 'Up'
Remember that Finnish uses 'back' (perä) logic, not 'up' logic for this idiom.
Meaning
Stopping an effort.
The Sisu Connection
Use this phrase to talk about Sisu. Saying 'Hän ei anna periksi' is the ultimate compliment for a Finn.
Don't translate 'Up'
Remember that Finnish uses 'back' (perä) logic, not 'up' logic for this idiom.
Material vs Mental
You can use this for a broken chair AND a broken spirit. It's a very powerful, dual-use word.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'antaa'.
Me emme koskaan ________ periksi.
The subject is 'Me' (we), so the verb must be in the 1st person plural negative form 'emme anna' or positive 'annamme'. In this negative sentence, 'anna' is the correct stem.
Which sentence means 'The ice gave way'?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Antaa periksi' is the correct idiom for materials failing under pressure.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tämä harjoitus on liian vaikea! B: Älä ________ ________!
'Älä anna periksi' is the standard way to say 'Don't give up'.
Match the situation to the sentence.
Situation: A father finally agrees to buy a toy for his crying child.
The father yielded to the child's pressure/crying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Antaa Periksi vs. Luovuttaa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMe emme koskaan ________ periksi.
The subject is 'Me' (we), so the verb must be in the 1st person plural negative form 'emme anna' or positive 'annamme'. In this negative sentence, 'anna' is the correct stem.
Valitse oikea lause:
'Antaa periksi' is the correct idiom for materials failing under pressure.
A: Tämä harjoitus on liian vaikea! B: Älä ________ ________!
'Älä anna periksi' is the standard way to say 'Don't give up'.
Situation: A father finally agrees to buy a toy for his crying child.
The father yielded to the child's pressure/crying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, telling someone 'Anna periksi!' can be discouraging or rude depending on your tone.
It's better to use 'lopettaa' (to stop). 'Antaa periksi' implies you were defeated by the cigarette.
'Luovuttaa' is like saying 'I quit'. 'Antaa periksi' is like saying 'I am yielding to the pressure'.
Me annamme periksi (positive) or Me emme anna periksi (negative).
Yes, to describe how you don't give up on hard projects: 'En anna helpolla periksi'.
Not necessarily. In a negotiation, giving periksi can be a strategic compromise.
The thing you yield to takes the allative case (-lle).
Yes, often shortened to 'antaa periks' in spoken Finnish.
Yes, it means the structure failed or collapsed under weight.
It is equally common in both.
Related Phrases
Luovuttaa
synonymTo quit or surrender entirely.
Antaa myöten
similarTo yield or give way.
Perääntyä
builds onTo retreat physically.
Sisu
contrastGrit and perseverance.
Taipua
similarTo bend or concede.
