Meaning
It is better to be brief.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'asia-puhe' (matter-of-fact speech). Talking too much without saying anything substantial is often looked down upon. The word 'virsi' (hymn) points to the deep influence of the Lutheran church on the Finnish language and social norms. In the Savonia region, people are known for being more talkative and indirect, which is the opposite of this proverb's ideal. The proverb is frequently used in Finnish social media (Twitter/X) to justify short, punchy threads or posts.
The Perfect Ending
Use this phrase to end a presentation if you finish early. It makes you look prepared and respectful of others' time.
Don't Overuse
If you say this every time you speak, it can become annoying or predictable. Save it for when you've actually been notably brief.
Meaning
It is better to be brief.
The Perfect Ending
Use this phrase to end a presentation if you finish early. It makes you look prepared and respectful of others' time.
Don't Overuse
If you say this every time you speak, it can become annoying or predictable. Save it for when you've actually been notably brief.
The Finnish Silence
Remember that in Finland, being brief is often seen as a sign of honesty. Don't feel the need to fill the silence after using this phrase.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana sananlaskuun.
Lyhyestä _____ kaunis.
Sananlaskun perusmuoto on 'Lyhyestä virsi kaunis'.
Missä tilanteessa on sopivaa sanoa 'Lyhyestä virsi kaunis'?
Valitse paras tilanne:
Sanonta sopii parhaiten tilanteisiin, joissa halutaan korostaa ytimekkyyttä.
Täydennä dialogi.
A: 'Voisitko kertoa lyhyesti, mitä kokouksessa päätettiin?' B: 'Päätimme nostaa budjettia. ______.'
B vastaa lyhyesti ja käyttää sanontaa korostamaan sitä.
Mikä on sanonnan 'Lyhyestä virsi kaunis' elatiivimuotoinen sana?
Valitse oikea sana:
'Lyhyestä' on sanan 'lyhyt' elatiivimuoto.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Brevity vs. Rambling
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLyhyestä _____ kaunis.
Sananlaskun perusmuoto on 'Lyhyestä virsi kaunis'.
Valitse paras tilanne:
Sanonta sopii parhaiten tilanteisiin, joissa halutaan korostaa ytimekkyyttä.
A: 'Voisitko kertoa lyhyesti, mitä kokouksessa päätettiin?' B: 'Päätimme nostaa budjettia. ______.'
B vastaa lyhyesti ja käyttää sanontaa korostamaan sitä.
Valitse oikea sana:
'Lyhyestä' on sanan 'lyhyt' elatiivimuoto.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn modern Finnish, 'virsi' almost always refers to a religious hymn. However, in this proverb, it stands in for any kind of speech or message.
Yes, if you've just given a concise answer to a difficult question, you can say it with a smile to show you value efficiency.
The elative case (-stä) implies 'origin' or 'concerning.' It's an old way of structuring proverbs that makes them sound more authoritative.
Not a direct one, but 'puhu asiaa' (speak substance) is the modern, more aggressive equivalent.
Yes, it's quite common to use it for movies, books, or even short trips.
It can be. If you say it while someone else is talking, you are essentially telling them to shut up. Only use it for your own speech or as a general compliment.
It's a front vowel. Round your lips like you're saying 'oo' but try to say 'ee'.
Yes, though they might use it more ironically or in text messages.
It's a joke about a church official (cantor) who wants to go home early. It adds a layer of humor to the proverb.
In the proverb, yes. 'Kaunis' here means 'good,' 'fitting,' or 'perfect.'
Related Phrases
Lyhyesti ja ytimekkäästi
synonymShort and concisely
Mennä suoraan asiaan
similarTo go straight to the point
Puhua ohi suunsa
contrastTo speak out of turn / to say too much
Vaikeneminen on kultaa
builds onSilence is golden
