意味
Politely starting a question.
文化的背景
Finns value 'negative politeness,' which means not imposing on others. This phrase is the primary tool for minimizing that imposition. In Northern Finland, communication can be even more indirect. Silence is a sign of comfort, so a polite opener is essential to not break the peace abruptly. In meetings, people wait for their turn to speak. Using 'Saanko kysyä' is a way to 'raise your hand' verbally. In the capital, life is faster, and you might hear the shortened 'Anteeksi?' more often, but the full phrase remains the mark of a polite person.
The 'Wait' Rule
After saying 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä?', wait for a small nod or a 'kyllä' (yes) before proceeding. It shows you respect their time.
Eye Contact
In Finland, brief eye contact is enough. Don't stare, but don't look at your feet either when using this phrase.
意味
Politely starting a question.
The 'Wait' Rule
After saying 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä?', wait for a small nod or a 'kyllä' (yes) before proceeding. It shows you respect their time.
Eye Contact
In Finland, brief eye contact is enough. Don't stare, but don't look at your feet either when using this phrase.
Don't Over-apologize
Saying 'Anteeksi' once is enough. Repeating it too much can make the interaction feel awkward for a Finn.
Use the Conditional
If you want to sound like a pro, try 'Saisinko kysyä?'. It's the secret weapon for instant politeness points.
自分をテスト
Fill in the missing part of the polite question.
Anteeksi, ______ kysyä?
The first person singular form of 'saada' + the question particle '-ko' is 'saanko'.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä?'
Choose the best context:
This phrase is a formal/neutral opener for strangers.
Match the Finnish phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for different registers.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite option.
A: ______ B: Totta kai, miten voin auttaa?
This is the most natural and polite way to initiate help from a stranger.
🎉 スコア： /4
ビジュアル学習ツール
練習問題バンク
4 問題Anteeksi, ______ kysyä?
The first person singular form of 'saada' + the question particle '-ko' is 'saanko'.
Choose the best context:
This phrase is a formal/neutral opener for strangers.
左の各項目を右のペアと一致させてください:
These are the standard translations for different registers.
A: ______ B: Totta kai, miten voin auttaa?
This is the most natural and polite way to initiate help from a stranger.
🎉 スコア： /4
よくある質問
10 問Yes, in many cases just 'Anteeksi?' with a rising intonation works, but 'saanko kysyä' makes it much more polite and clear.
Absolutely. It's the perfect way to get their attention if they are passing by.
'Saanko' asks for permission (May I), while 'voinko' asks about possibility (Can I). 'Saanko' is more polite.
No, the '-n' in 'saanko' already tells the listener you are talking about yourself. Adding 'minä' makes it sound a bit heavy.
Not usually. In emails, you would start with 'Hei,' and then 'Haluaisin kysyä...' (I would like to ask...).
This is very rare in Finland. If they do, just say 'Selvä, kiitos' (Clear, thanks) and walk away.
Shape your lips like you are going to say 'oo' but try to say 'ee'. That's the Finnish 'y'.
Yes, it is the correct formal way to approach any official.
It is 'saanko' because of vowel harmony. 'a' and 'o' are back vowels, so they stay together.
The question mark goes at the end of the whole sentence. The '-ko' particle does the work of the question.
関連フレーズ
Saisinko kysyä?
similarCould I ask?
Voinko kysyä?
similarCan I ask?
Haluaisin kysyä...
builds onI would like to ask...
Kysyisin vain...
specialized formI would just ask...
Anteeksi häiriö
similarSorry for the disturbance
Ole hyvä
contrastPlease / You're welcome
