Meaning
Checking if someone is prepared.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'työrauha' (work peace). Asking 'Oletko valmis?' too often can be seen as impatient. It's best to ask only when a deadline is approaching or a transition is necessary. In Sauna culture, 'Onko sauna valmis?' is a ritualistic question. It means the stones are hot and the water is ready. It's a signal for the family to gather. Punctuality is key. If someone asks 'Oletko valmis?' at 8:00 for an 8:00 departure, they expect you to be standing at the door with your coat on. The phrase is common in Finnish sports, especially ice hockey. Coaches use it to focus the players' minds before they hit the ice.
The 'Joko' Boost
Add 'joko' (already) to the start to sound more natural: 'Joko olet valmis?'
Plurality Matters
If asking a group, you MUST use 'valmiita': 'Oletteko valmiita?'
Meaning
Checking if someone is prepared.
The 'Joko' Boost
Add 'joko' (already) to the start to sound more natural: 'Joko olet valmis?'
Plurality Matters
If asking a group, you MUST use 'valmiita': 'Oletteko valmiita?'
Spoken Finnish
Use 'Ootko' with friends to avoid sounding like a textbook.
Wait for the answer
Finns usually give a literal answer. If they say 'en' (no), they really aren't ready—give them space.
Test Yourself
Complete the question with the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
______-ko sinä valmis?
'Olet' is the 2nd person singular form matching 'sinä'.
Which is the most natural spoken Finnish version of 'Oletko valmis?'
Choose the correct spoken form:
'Ootko' is the standard contraction of 'Oletko' in spoken Finnish.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A waiter asks if you want to order.
The plural/formal 'Oletteko' is used in service professions.
Fill in the missing word in the dialogue.
A: Bussi tulee! Oletko ______? B: Kyllä, mennään!
'Valmis' is the correct adjective for being ready to leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common 'Valmis' Contexts
Travel
- • Leaving home
- • Packing
- • At the gate
Food
- • Cooking
- • Ordering
- • Finishing a meal
Work
- • Meetings
- • Reports
- • Presentations
Practice Bank
4 exercises______-ko sinä valmis?
'Olet' is the 2nd person singular form matching 'sinä'.
Choose the correct spoken form:
'Ootko' is the standard contraction of 'Oletko' in spoken Finnish.
Situation: A waiter asks if you want to order.
The plural/formal 'Oletteko' is used in service professions.
A: Bussi tulee! Oletko ______? B: Kyllä, mennään!
'Valmis' is the correct adjective for being ready to leave.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Onko ruoka valmis?' is the standard way to ask if dinner is ready.
'Valmis' is the state of being ready. 'Valmiina' implies being in a state of standby, like a soldier or an athlete.
Not at all! It is the standard spoken form. Using 'Oletko' in a casual setting can actually sound a bit stiff.
You say 'Olen melkein valmis.'
Yes, 'Oletko valmis kylpyhuoneessa?' is perfect.
No, but it implies something is 'complete' and therefore as it should be.
Use 'Oletteko valmiita?'. Note the -ta ending on valmiita.
You can just say 'Joko?' with a questioning tone.
Yes, to ask if the interviewer is ready to start: 'Oletteko valmis aloittamaan?'
Say 'En vielä' (Not yet).
Related Phrases
Oletko valmiina?
similarAre you on standby?
Oletko lopettanut?
similarHave you finished?
Onko kaikki kunnossa?
builds onIs everything in order?
Joko mennään?
contrastShall we go already?
Valmistautua
builds onTo prepare oneself
