Meaning
The shop is open.
Cultural Background
Finns are very punctual. If a shop says it is 'auki' until 21:00, they will often lock the doors at exactly 21:00:00. Don't expect 'grace minutes'. The 'Open Door Policy' (Avoimien ovien politiikka) is a real thing in Finnish offices. It means you can talk to your boss without a formal appointment if their door is 'auki'. The distinction between 'auki' (state) and 'avoin' (quality) is a common hurdle for learners but essential for sounding natural. 24/7 culture is relatively new. Until recently, almost nothing was 'auki' on Sundays, which is why older Finns might still check Sunday hours twice.
Look for the sign
In Finland, a sign that says 'Auki' is usually green or bright, while 'Kiinni' is red.
Zipper alert
If someone says 'Sun sepalus on auki', check your fly immediately!
Meaning
The shop is open.
Look for the sign
In Finland, a sign that says 'Auki' is usually green or bright, while 'Kiinni' is red.
Zipper alert
If someone says 'Sun sepalus on auki', check your fly immediately!
Abstract use
Use 'asia on auki' in meetings to sound like a pro at handling pending tasks.
Sunday shopping
Always check Sunday hours; even if a place is 'auki', it might open later and close earlier than weekdays.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'The door is open'.
Ovi on ______.
'Auki' is the correct adverb to describe the state of being open.
How do you ask if the shop is open?
Which sentence is correct?
The standard question uses 'onko' (is it) + subject + 'auki'.
Match the Finnish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These cover the literal, opposite, abstract, and slang meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Anteeksi, onko posti vielä auki? B: Ei, se ______ kello kuusi.
If the answer is 'No', the shop must have closed (meni kiinni).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Auki vs. Avoin
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOvi on ______.
'Auki' is the correct adverb to describe the state of being open.
Which sentence is correct?
The standard question uses 'onko' (is it) + subject + 'auki'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These cover the literal, opposite, abstract, and slang meanings.
A: Anteeksi, onko posti vielä auki? B: Ei, se ______ kello kuusi.
If the answer is 'No', the shop must have closed (meni kiinni).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if they are physically injured or if you are using slang to say they are broke. For 'open-minded', use 'avoin'.
'Auki' is common in speech; 'avoinna' is formal and used on signs.
Use the word 'selällään', as in 'Ovi on selällään'.
No, it is technically an adverb, which is why it doesn't change its form to match the noun.
No, you must use the verb 'avata'. 'Minä avaan oven'.
No, for 'free of charge' use 'ilmainen', and for 'free/available' use 'vapaa'.
Ask 'Milloin se aukeaa?' (When does it open?).
It means 'opening hours'. 'Auki' (open) + 'olo' (being) + 'ajat' (times).
Yes, 'Ohjelma on auki' means the program is running/open.
Yes, if a player is 'auki', they are unmarked and ready to receive a pass.
Related Phrases
olla kiinni
contrastto be closed
avoinna
specialized formopen (formal)
aukioloaika
builds onopening hours
selällään
similarwide open
raollaan
similarajar
