Meaning
Attempting a new action.
Cultural Background
Finns often use 'kokeilla' to downplay their skills. If someone asks if you can play guitar, saying 'Olen vähän kokeillut' (I've tried a bit) is a polite way to be modest. In Finnish startups, 'kokeilukulttuuri' (experimentation culture) is a buzzword. It encourages employees to try new things without fear of failure. When visiting a Finnish home, if you are offered a traditional food like 'mämmi', it is polite to say you will 'kokeilla' it, even if you are unsure.
The 'Jotain' Rule
Always pair 'kokeilla' with 'jotain' (partitive) instead of 'jokin' (nominative). It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
Don't 'kokeilla' a person
Using 'kokeilla' with a person can sound like you are 'testing' them in a relationship, which can be rude. Use 'tutustua' (get to know) instead.
Meaning
Attempting a new action.
The 'Jotain' Rule
Always pair 'kokeilla' with 'jotain' (partitive) instead of 'jokin' (nominative). It's the most common mistake for A2 learners.
Don't 'kokeilla' a person
Using 'kokeilla' with a person can sound like you are 'testing' them in a relationship, which can be rude. Use 'tutustua' (get to know) instead.
Modesty
Use 'kokeilla' to sound more humble about your skills or hobbies.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kokeilla'.
Me haluamme ______ tätä uutta peliä.
After the verb 'haluta' (to want), we use the infinitive form 'kokeilla'.
Which sentence is correct?
Trying a new soup:
'Kokeilla' is used for sampling food. 'Yrittää' is for effort, and 'kokea' is for deep experiences.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko tämä uusi puhelin hyvä? B: En tiedä vielä, minun täytyy ______ sitä.
After 'täytyy' (must), we use the infinitive (though technically the short form, which looks like the infinitive here).
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMe haluamme ______ tätä uutta peliä.
After the verb 'haluta' (to want), we use the infinitive form 'kokeilla'.
Trying a new soup:
'Kokeilla' is used for sampling food. 'Yrittää' is for effort, and 'kokea' is for deep experiences.
A: Onko tämä uusi puhelin hyvä? B: En tiedä vielä, minun täytyy ______ sitä.
After 'täytyy' (must), we use the infinitive (though technically the short form, which looks like the infinitive here).
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, you can use 'kokeilla' or the more specific 'sovittaa'. 'Kokeilla' is very common for shoes.
'Testata' is more informal and common in tech or sports. 'Kokeilla' is the standard, all-purpose word.
'Jotakin' is the formal form, 'jotain' is the spoken form. Both are correct, but 'jotain' is more natural in conversation.
Related Phrases
yrittää
similarto try (with effort)
maistaa
specialized formto taste
sovittaa
specialized formto try on (clothes)
testata
synonymto test
