Signification
There is still time.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often linked to the concept of 'sisu'. Even if a situation looks desperate or 'late', a Finn will believe that action is still possible and necessary. Finland has a strong culture of adult education. You will see this phrase in advertisements for 'kansanopistot' (folk high schools) encouraging seniors to study. Because of the close connection to nature, this phrase is a common slogan in Finnish climate activism, emphasizing that we still have a window to act. Finns are very respectful of 'peace at night' (yörauha). Using this phrase at 10 PM to justify a phone call shows you are aware of the social boundary but believe it's still okay.
Add 'liian' for emphasis
If you want to sound more dramatic or encouraging, say 'Ei ole vielä *liian* myöhäistä' (It's not yet *too* late).
Watch the partitive
Never say 'ei ole vielä myöhäinen'. It's a classic learner mistake that sounds very jarring to native ears.
Signification
There is still time.
Add 'liian' for emphasis
If you want to sound more dramatic or encouraging, say 'Ei ole vielä *liian* myöhäistä' (It's not yet *too* late).
Watch the partitive
Never say 'ei ole vielä myöhäinen'. It's a classic learner mistake that sounds very jarring to native ears.
The 'Sisu' connection
Use this phrase to show you have a resilient attitude. It's a very 'Finnish' way to look at problems.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'myöhäinen'.
Ei ole vielä _________ aloittaa uutta harrastusta.
In impersonal sentences about time, the partitive form 'myöhäistä' is used.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It's not too late yet'?
Choose the correct sentence:
Finnish impersonal sentences usually omit the subject 'se' and use the partitive 'myöhäistä'.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: 'Haluaisin hakea tähän työpaikkaan, mutta haku päättyy tunnin kuluttua!' B: '_________________'
Since there is still one hour left, it is not yet too late to act.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You want to tell a 50-year-old friend they can still learn to play piano.
This phrase is used for encouragement regarding life opportunities.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEi ole vielä _________ aloittaa uutta harrastusta.
In impersonal sentences about time, the partitive form 'myöhäistä' is used.
Choose the correct sentence:
Finnish impersonal sentences usually omit the subject 'se' and use the partitive 'myöhäistä'.
A: 'Haluaisin hakea tähän työpaikkaan, mutta haku päättyy tunnin kuluttua!' B: '_________________'
Since there is still one hour left, it is not yet too late to act.
Situation: You want to tell a 50-year-old friend they can still learn to play piano.
This phrase is used for encouragement regarding life opportunities.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for a person being late, use 'hän on myöhässä'. This phrase is only for the situation or time.
Because it's an impersonal sentence describing an abstract state, which requires the partitive case in Finnish grammar.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or a stranger.
'Vielä' means 'yet/still' (positive possibility), while 'jo' means 'already' (often implying it's too late).
It's technically understandable but sounds like child-speak or a poetic archaism. Stick to 'myöhäistä'.
Say 'Ei ole koskaan liian myöhäistä'.
Yes, 'myöhemmin' is the comparative form meaning 'later'.
Yes, it's very common in emails, e.g., 'Ei ole vielä myöhäistä ilmoittautua' (It's not too late to sign up).
It can sound sarcastic if they are clearly very late. Use with caution if the person is stressed.
The opposite is 'On jo liian myöhäistä' (It is already too late).
Expressions liées
vielä ehtii
similarThere is still time to make it.
ei ole koskaan liian myöhäistä
builds onIt is never too late.
viime hetkellä
specialized formAt the last moment.
on jo myöhäistä
contrastIt is already too late.
