Signification
Occupied by a task.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'työrauha' (work peace). Saying you are 'kiinni' is a respected way to set boundaries. In digital calendars (Outlook/Teams), 'Kiinni' or 'Varattu' are the standard statuses. Students often use this phrase during 'koeviikko' (exam week) to explain their total disappearance from social life. The phrase still carries a hint of its literal origins in farming and fishing, where tasks were physically demanding and binding.
Use it for phone calls
If you can't talk, just say 'Olen kiinni'. It's the most natural way to end a call quickly.
Check the case!
Always use -ssa/-ssä. Using -lla/-llä changes the meaning or makes it nonsensical.
Signification
Occupied by a task.
Use it for phone calls
If you can't talk, just say 'Olen kiinni'. It's the most natural way to end a call quickly.
Check the case!
Always use -ssa/-ssä. Using -lla/-llä changes the meaning or makes it nonsensical.
Respect the 'Kiinni'
If a Finn says they are 'kiinni', don't push. They really mean they are unavailable.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the noun in the Inessive case.
Olen kiinni ______ (kokous).
The phrase 'olla kiinni' requires the Inessive case (-ssa).
Which sentence means 'I am busy with work'?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Olla kiinni' + plural inessive 'töissä' is the standard way to say this.
Match the response to the situation.
Friend: 'Haluatko lähteä kahville?' You: 'En pääse...'
Being 'kiinni opinnoissa' (busy with studies) is a valid reason to decline coffee.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Voitko auttaa minua?' B: 'Anteeksi, olen juuri nyt ______ tässä projektissa.'
'Kiinni' completes the phrase meaning 'occupied'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOlen kiinni ______ (kokous).
The phrase 'olla kiinni' requires the Inessive case (-ssa).
Valitse oikea lause:
'Olla kiinni' + plural inessive 'töissä' is the standard way to say this.
Friend: 'Haluatko lähteä kahville?' You: 'En pääse...'
Being 'kiinni opinnoissa' (busy with studies) is a valid reason to decline coffee.
A: 'Voitko auttaa minua?' B: 'Anteeksi, olen juuri nyt ______ tässä projektissa.'
'Kiinni' completes the phrase meaning 'occupied'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's very romantic or emotional. It means 'I am attached to you' or 'I am stuck on you'. Use with caution!
'Kiireinen' means you have a lot to do in general. 'Olla kiinni' means you are doing one specific thing right now.
Yes! 'Olen kiinni neulomisessa' (I'm tied up in knitting) is perfectly fine.
Then you just say 'Kauppa on kiinni'. You don't need 'jossakin' because the shop is the subject.
No, it's professional. It shows you are focused on a task.
Yes, 'Olla kiinni liikenneruuhkassa' is very common.
In conversation, you can just say 'Olen vähän kiinni nyt' if the context is obvious.
The opposite is 'olla vapaana' (to be free/available).
Yes, 'Olen ihan kiinni tässä sarjassa' means you are hooked on it.
Yes, it's common in emails and reports.
Expressions liées
olla varattu
synonymTo be busy or reserved.
jäädä kiinni
contrastTo get caught.
päästä kiinni
builds onTo get a handle on / to start.
pitää kiinni
similarTo hold onto.
olla työn touhussa
similarTo be in the middle of work.
