Meaning
Things depend on the perspective.
Cultural Background
Finns use this phrase to avoid 'bragging' about their own success. If someone says they have a big house, they might follow it with 'kaikki on suhteellista' to stay humble. The phrase aligns with the 'Law of Jante', which discourages individual boastfulness and promotes collective equality. In Finnish universities, this phrase is often the starting point for debates in social sciences, reflecting a deep-seated skepticism of absolute truths. On Finnish social media (like 'Ylilauta' or 'Vauva.fi'), the phrase is sometimes used sarcastically to mock people who try to justify bad behavior.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When saying this, a slight shrug of the shoulders and a neutral facial expression make you sound 100% more Finnish.
Don't over-philosophize
In casual conversation, don't follow this up with a 10-minute lecture on Einstein unless you're at a science convention.
Meaning
Things depend on the perspective.
The 'Shrug' Factor
When saying this, a slight shrug of the shoulders and a neutral facial expression make you sound 100% more Finnish.
Don't over-philosophize
In casual conversation, don't follow this up with a 10-minute lecture on Einstein unless you're at a science convention.
Modesty is Key
Use this phrase to deflect compliments. If someone says you're good at Finnish, say 'Kaikki on suhteellista' to show humility.
Test Yourself
Which is the correct form of the proverb?
Kaikki on...
The partitive singular 'suhteellista' is required for abstract subjects like 'kaikki'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Onko kymmenen euroa paljon rahaa? B: No, ________.
This is the standard way to answer a question about subjective value.
In which situation is it APPROPRIATE to say 'Kaikki on suhteellista'?
Match the situation to the response.
Relativity is perfect for subjective measurements like time.
Fill in the missing word.
Kaikki ____ suhteellista.
The verb 'olla' must be in the 3rd person singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKaikki on...
The partitive singular 'suhteellista' is required for abstract subjects like 'kaikki'.
A: Onko kymmenen euroa paljon rahaa? B: No, ________.
This is the standard way to answer a question about subjective value.
Match the situation to the response.
Relativity is perfect for subjective measurements like time.
Kaikki ____ suhteellista.
The verb 'olla' must be in the 3rd person singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in academic or formal writing to discuss the nature of perspective.
Because 'kaikki' is an abstract subject. In Finnish, abstract subjects take the partitive case in the predicate adjective.
Usually no, but it can be dismissive if someone is sharing a personal problem. Use with care.
No, in fact, it's used 99% of the time for non-scientific things like money, time, and feelings.
'Kaikki on suhteellista' is a general statement. 'Riippuu siitä' (It depends on...) requires you to say what it depends on.
Only if you are talking about a group of specific things (plural). For the proverb 'Everything is relative', use the singular.
Use the phrase 'Kaikki on suhteellista [johonkin] nähden'. For example: 'Kaikki on suhteellista hintaan nähden.'
Yes, it's used all over Finland, from Helsinki to Utsjoki.
Yes, it shows you have a balanced perspective, but make sure to explain *why* you think so.
The most common casual version is 'Se on suhteellista' or just 'Suhteellistahan se'.
Related Phrases
Makuasia
similarA matter of taste
Riippuu siitä
builds onIt depends on that
Sitä se on
similarThat's how it is
Absoluuttinen totuus
contrastAbsolute truth
