Meaning
Having many tasks to complete.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'työrauha' (peace of work). Saying you are busy is a respected way to ask for space. In meetings, being 'kiireinen' is often seen as a sign that you need to delegate, not necessarily that you are important. It is considered polite to apologize for being busy if you cannot attend a social event. In Helsinki, 'kiireinen' is a common state, but in rural areas, life is traditionally 'kiireetön' (hurry-less).
Spoken form
In spoken Finnish, 'olen' often becomes 'oon'. So you will hear 'Oon kiireinen'.
Don't use for objects
A car cannot be 'kiireinen'. Only people or time periods can.
Meaning
Having many tasks to complete.
Spoken form
In spoken Finnish, 'olen' often becomes 'oon'. So you will hear 'Oon kiireinen'.
Don't use for objects
A car cannot be 'kiireinen'. Only people or time periods can.
The 'I have' trick
If you want to sound more native, use 'Minulla on kiire' for immediate rushing and 'Olen kiireinen' for a general state.
Honesty
If you say you are busy, a Finn will believe you and won't push. Use it wisely!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'olla kiireinen'.
Minä ______ ______ tänään.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb is 'olen' and the adjective is singular 'kiireinen'.
Which sentence is correct for 'We are busy'?
Choose the plural form:
In Finnish, plural subjects require the plural form of the adjective, which is 'kiireisiä'.
Match the Finnish sentence with its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the basic tense and person variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mennäänkö leffaan? B: En pääse, olen ______.
'Kiireinen' is the only word that fits the context of declining an invitation due to work/tasks.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Olen pahoillani, olen todella kiireinen'?
This phrase is used to describe a state of being overwhelmed with tasks.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Kiireinen vs. Nopea
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMinä ______ ______ tänään.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb is 'olen' and the adjective is singular 'kiireinen'.
Choose the plural form:
In Finnish, plural subjects require the plural form of the adjective, which is 'kiireisiä'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the basic tense and person variations of the phrase.
A: Mennäänkö leffaan? B: En pääse, olen ______.
'Kiireinen' is the only word that fits the context of declining an invitation due to work/tasks.
When would you say 'Olen pahoillani, olen todella kiireinen'?
This phrase is used to describe a state of being overwhelmed with tasks.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, 'kiireinen katu' is correct and describes a street with lots of traffic and people.
'Kiireinen' describes a person or time (busy). 'Kiireellinen' describes a task that needs immediate attention (urgent).
Yes, it is a neutral and polite way to state your status.
You can say 'Olen todella kiireinen' or 'Olen erittäin kiireinen'.
No, for patterns use 'levoton' (restless) or 'kirjava' (multicolored).
The opposite is 'kiireetön' (unhurried/leisurely).
Often yes, but it can also just mean you have a lot of productive work.
It becomes 'Me olemme kiireisiä'.
Yes, very commonly to explain delays or schedule meetings.
It's better to say 'Minulla on kiire bussiin'.
Yes, 'Oon ihan tukossa' (I'm totally blocked/stuffed with work).
It literally means 'hurry', but historically it meant the crown of the head.
Related Phrases
pitää kiirettä
similarto be busy/to rush
olla kiire
similarto have a hurry
kiireellinen
specialized formurgent
kiireetön
contrastleisurely/unhurried
olla menoa
synonymto have things to do
työllistetty
specialized formoccupied with work
