Meaning
Indicating preparedness.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is a sign of respect. Being 'valmis' means being ready exactly at the agreed time, or even a few minutes early. In sauna culture, 'Sauna on valmis' is the most anticipated sentence of the evening, meaning the temperature is perfect. Students use 'Olen valmis' to signal they have finished an exam, often walking quietly to the teacher's desk. In meetings, 'Olemme valmiita aloittamaan' signals a transition from small talk to the official agenda.
Shorten it!
In 90% of daily conversations, use 'Oon valmis' instead of 'Olen valmis' to sound more natural.
Plural Trap
Don't forget to say 'valmiita' when talking about a group. 'Me olemme valmis' sounds very broken.
Meaning
Indicating preparedness.
Shorten it!
In 90% of daily conversations, use 'Oon valmis' instead of 'Olen valmis' to sound more natural.
Plural Trap
Don't forget to say 'valmiita' when talking about a group. 'Me olemme valmis' sounds very broken.
The 'Ready yet?' question
Add 'jo' (already/yet) to ask 'Joko olet valmis?' to sound like a native speaker.
Sauna Readiness
If you hear 'Sauna on valmis', drop everything and go. It's the ultimate Finnish invitation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Minä ____ valmis.
'Minä' (I) always takes the verb form 'olen'.
How do you say 'We are ready' in Finnish?
Choose the correct plural form:
In the plural, 'valmis' becomes 'valmiita'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Joko mennään? B: Hetki pieni... Nyt ____ ______.
The speaker is talking about themselves (I am ready).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a waiter asking if you're ready to order?
Waiters use the polite plural 'oletteko' and the verb 'tilaamaan' (to order).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Singular vs Plural
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä ____ valmis.
'Minä' (I) always takes the verb form 'olen'.
Choose the correct plural form:
In the plural, 'valmis' becomes 'valmiita'.
A: Joko mennään? B: Hetki pieni... Nyt ____ ______.
The speaker is talking about themselves (I am ready).
Which phrase fits a waiter asking if you're ready to order?
Waiters use the polite plural 'oletteko' and the verb 'tilaamaan' (to order).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. It sounds like you are ready for them, not finished with them. Use 'Olen saanut tarpeeksi sinusta' (I've had enough of you).
'Valmis' is the state of being ready. 'Valmiina' is being in a position of readiness (like a soldier on guard).
It is neutral. It works in a job interview and with your best friend.
Say 'Olen melkein valmis'.
Yes! 'Ruoka on valmis' means 'Food is ready/served'.
No, Finnish has no grammatical gender. It's the same for everyone.
'Keskeneräinen' (unfinished) or simply 'ei valmis' (not ready).
Usually, you'd say 'Valmistun' (I am graduating) or 'Olen valmistunut' (I have graduated).
Sometimes, but 'kypsä' is much more common and accurate.
Say 'Olen valmis mihin tahansa'.
Related Phrases
Sain valmiiksi
similarI got it finished
Olen menossa
builds onI am on my way
Valmiina ollaan
specialized formReady we are / We're all set
Kaikki on valmista
similarEverything is ready
