Meaning
To try something new or take a risk.
Cultural Background
Moving out at 18 or 19 is very common in Finland due to state support. 'Kokeilla siipiään' is the standard way to describe this transition. The Swedish equivalent 'testa sina vingar' is used almost identically, reflecting the shared Nordic value of early independence. In Japan, 'Habataku' is often associated with graduation ceremonies (Sotsugyoshiki), where it has a very formal and emotional tone. In American culture, 'spreading one's wings' is often tied to the 'college experience' or moving across the country for a job, emphasizing individualism.
Master the Suffix
Always check your subject! If you say 'Hän kokeilee siipiäni', it means he is testing *your* wings, which makes no sense.
LinkedIn Gold
This is a very popular phrase on Finnish LinkedIn. Use it when announcing a new job to sound like a native professional.
Meaning
To try something new or take a risk.
Master the Suffix
Always check your subject! If you say 'Hän kokeilee siipiäni', it means he is testing *your* wings, which makes no sense.
LinkedIn Gold
This is a very popular phrase on Finnish LinkedIn. Use it when announcing a new job to sound like a native professional.
Not for Food
Don't use this for trying new food or small products. It's for big life moves.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva omistusliite (possessive suffix).
Minä haluan kokeilla siipiä___ uudessa maassa.
Subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Mikä tilanne sopii parhaiten idiomille 'kokeilla siipiään'?
Milloin voit sanoa näin?
The idiom is used for significant life steps and independence.
Täydennä keskustelu sopivalla muodolla.
A: 'Miksi siskosi muutti Lontooseen?' B: 'Hän halusi _________ muotisuunnittelijana.'
The subject is 'sisko' (sister/she), so the 3rd person form 'siipiään' is correct.
Yhdistä henkilö ja oikea lause.
1. Me valmistumme koulusta. 2. Sinä olet rohkea. 3. Minä muutan omaan kotiin.
Matching the subject pronouns (Me/Te, Sinä, Minä) with the correct suffixes.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä haluan kokeilla siipiä___ uudessa maassa.
Subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Milloin voit sanoa näin?
The idiom is used for significant life steps and independence.
A: 'Miksi siskosi muutti Lontooseen?' B: 'Hän halusi _________ muotisuunnittelijana.'
The subject is 'sisko' (sister/she), so the 3rd person form 'siipiään' is correct.
1. Me valmistumme koulusta. 2. Sinä olet rohkea. 3. Minä muutan omaan kotiin.
Matching the subject pronouns (Me/Te, Sinä, Minä) with the correct suffixes.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional cover letter or interview.
Yes, 'testata siipiään' is common and slightly more modern, but 'kokeilla' is the classic version.
Finns will understand you, but it will sound like a clear grammatical error. It's one of the most common mistakes for learners.
No, it can mean starting any new independent venture, like a project or a new role at work.
Not directly, but 'saada siipeensä' is the 'failed' counterpart.
Yes: 'Me kokeilemme siipiämme' (We are testing our wings).
Yes, many Finnish pop and rock songs use bird imagery and this phrase to talk about freedom.
Both are correct. 'Siipiään' is more common in standard Finnish, while 'siipiänsä' is slightly more old-fashioned or poetic.
Yes, parents often say their children are 'kokeilemassa siipiään' when they start school or hobbies.
Perhaps 'pysyä turvallisessa satamassa' (to stay in a safe harbor).
Related Phrases
levittää siipensä
builds onTo spread one's wings.
saada siipeensä
contrastTo take a hit / to suffer.
omilla jaloillaan seisominen
similarStanding on one's own feet.
hypätä tuntemattomaan
similarTo jump into the unknown.
