Meaning
Serving a helpful function.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'toimivuus' (functionality). A gift that is 'hyödyllinen' is often better than one that is just 'kaunis' (beautiful). In meetings, being 'hyödyllinen' means providing data or solutions. Small talk is often seen as 'epähyödyllinen' (useless). The tradition of 'Talkoot' relies on everyone being 'hyödyllinen' for the community. The philosophy of 'form follows function' means objects are designed primarily to be 'hyödyllinen'.
The Partitive Trick
If you are talking about an action (like 'swimming' or 'reading'), always use 'hyödyllistä'.
Don't be a tool!
Avoid calling your friends 'hyödyllinen' unless you are talking about their skills in a project.
Meaning
Serving a helpful function.
The Partitive Trick
If you are talking about an action (like 'swimming' or 'reading'), always use 'hyödyllistä'.
Don't be a tool!
Avoid calling your friends 'hyödyllinen' unless you are talking about their skills in a project.
Intensify it
Add 'todella' (really) or 'erittäin' (extremely) to sound more natural: 'Tämä on todella hyödyllinen!'
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Tämä sanakirja ___ hyödyllinen.
'Sanakirja' (dictionary) is a third-person singular subject, so we use 'on'.
Choose the correct form of the adjective.
On ___ oppia uusia kieliä.
The subject is an infinitive verb phrase ('to learn new languages'), which requires the partitive case.
Match the Finnish sentence with its English translation.
Match the following:
Focus on the tense (on/oli) and number (on/ovat).
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tässä on uusi sovellus.' B: 'Kiitos! Se on varmasti ____.'
The pronoun 'se' refers to 'sovellus' (a countable noun), so we use the nominative.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What can be hyödyllinen?
Objects
- • Työkalu
- • Kirja
- • Puhelin
Abstract
- • Vinkki
- • Tieto
- • Neuvo
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTämä sanakirja ___ hyödyllinen.
'Sanakirja' (dictionary) is a third-person singular subject, so we use 'on'.
On ___ oppia uusia kieliä.
The subject is an infinitive verb phrase ('to learn new languages'), which requires the partitive case.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Focus on the tense (on/oli) and number (on/ovat).
A: 'Tässä on uusi sovellus.' B: 'Kiitos! Se on varmasti ____.'
The pronoun 'se' refers to 'sovellus' (a countable noun), so we use the nominative.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but mostly in a professional context (e.g., 'a useful employee'). For friends, use 'auttavainen'.
'Hyödyllinen' is for countable things (a book). 'Hyödyllistä' is for abstract things or actions (advice, running).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'hyödytön'.
Yes, this is a very common and natural collocation.
Related Phrases
olla avuksi
similarto be of help
olla hyödyksi
synonymto be of use
palvella tarkoitusta
specialized formto serve a purpose
tehdä hyvää
similarto do good / to be good for someone
