Meaning
Requiring payment for goods or services.
Cultural Background
Finns are very direct about money. It is not considered rude to ask 'Maksaako se rahaa?' even in social situations where someone offers a service. Tipping is not mandatory in Finland because service is included in the price. Therefore, 'maksaa rahaa' usually refers strictly to the price on the tag. The 'Right of Public Access' (Jokamiehenoikeus) means that picking berries or hiking in nature never 'maksaa rahaa', regardless of who owns the land. Finland is nearly a cashless society. Even if you say 'maksaa rahaa', people will almost always expect a card or MobilePay payment.
Omit 'rahaa' for speed
In daily life, just say 'Se maksaa viisi euroa' instead of 'Se maksaa viisi euroa rahaa'.
The 'Attention' Trap
Never use 'maksaa' for anything other than money or figurative 'costs' (like 'it cost him his life').
Meaning
Requiring payment for goods or services.
Omit 'rahaa' for speed
In daily life, just say 'Se maksaa viisi euroa' instead of 'Se maksaa viisi euroa rahaa'.
The 'Attention' Trap
Never use 'maksaa' for anything other than money or figurative 'costs' (like 'it cost him his life').
Use 'ilmainen'
If you want to sound like a local, focus on whether things are 'ilmainen' (free) – it's a favorite Finnish word!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Tämä uusi takki ______ paljon rahaa.
The subject 'takki' is 3rd person singular, so the verb is 'maksaa'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'It doesn't cost money'?
In negative sentences, the verb 'maksaa' loses its final 'a', and 'raha' must be in partitive.
Match the Finnish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common variations of the theme.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko tämä museo ilmainen? B: Ei, se ______ ______.
The most natural way to say it's not free is 'maksaa rahaa'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Free vs. Paid
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTämä uusi takki ______ paljon rahaa.
The subject 'takki' is 3rd person singular, so the verb is 'maksaa'.
How do you say 'It doesn't cost money'?
In negative sentences, the verb 'maksaa' loses its final 'a', and 'raha' must be in partitive.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the theme.
A: Onko tämä museo ilmainen? B: Ei, se ______ ______.
The most natural way to say it's not free is 'maksaa rahaa'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, e.g., 'Maksan sinulle huomenna' (I'll pay you tomorrow).
In this phrase, yes, because you are talking about an indefinite amount of money.
'Maksaa' is general; 'kustantaa' is more formal and often implies funding or sponsoring.
It dates back to when malt (for beer) was very expensive and valuable.
'Maksaa rahaa' means 'to cost money'. 'Maksaa rahalla' means 'to pay WITH money' (as opposed to card).
Yes, that is a very common and natural way to say 'It costs a lot'.
Say 'Paljonko se maksaa?'
No, it's considered practical and honest.
It means you have to pay to use that service (e.g., a toilet or parking).
No, that is 'maistua'. Don't confuse them!
Related Phrases
Maksaa vaivaa
similarTo be worth the effort
Maksaa maltaita
specialized formTo cost a fortune
Olla maksullinen
synonymTo be subject to a fee
Saada ilmaiseksi
contrastTo get for free
Tuhlaa rahaa
builds onTo waste money
