Signification
To be able to do something.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'silent competence'. Having 'kykyä' is often demonstrated through actions rather than words. In a workplace, a person with 'kykyä' is someone who can be trusted to work without supervision. Flat hierarchies mean that everyone is expected to have the 'kykyä' to contribute ideas, not just the bosses. Initiative is highly prized. The school system focuses on 'laaja-alainen osaaminen' (broad-based competence). The goal is to give every student the 'kykyä' to learn how to learn.
Use it in CVs
Instead of saying 'Osaan käyttää Exceliä', say 'Minulla on kykyä hallita monimutkaisia tietokantoja' to sound more senior.
Avoid with 'Minä olen'
Never say 'Minä olen kykyä'. It's a classic beginner mistake. Always use 'Minulla on'.
Signification
To be able to do something.
Use it in CVs
Instead of saying 'Osaan käyttää Exceliä', say 'Minulla on kykyä hallita monimutkaisia tietokantoja' to sound more senior.
Avoid with 'Minä olen'
Never say 'Minä olen kykyä'. It's a classic beginner mistake. Always use 'Minulla on'.
Modesty is Key
If someone says you have 'kykyä', a simple 'Kiitos' is enough. Don't over-explain or brag.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the person (Adessive) and the phrase 'olla kykyä'.
_____ (He) _____ _____ oppia kieliä.
We use the adessive 'Hänellä' and the partitive 'kykyä' for general ability.
Which sentence is more natural for a job interview?
How would you say 'I have the ability to work in a team'?
'Olla kykyä' + illative noun is the most professional choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Olla lahjoja, 2. Olla kykyä, 3. Osata
'Osata' is for basic skills, 'lahjoja' for arts, and 'kykyä' for professional/general potential.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Osata vs. Olla kykyä
Banque d exercices
3 exercices_____ (He) _____ _____ oppia kieliä.
We use the adessive 'Hänellä' and the partitive 'kykyä' for general ability.
How would you say 'I have the ability to work in a team'?
'Olla kykyä' + illative noun is the most professional choice.
1. Olla lahjoja, 2. Olla kykyä, 3. Osata
'Osata' is for basic skills, 'lahjoja' for arts, and 'kykyä' for professional/general potential.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot exactly. 'Can' is usually 'voida' or 'osata'. 'Olla kykyä' is more like 'to have the capacity' or 'to have the potential'.
It's in the partitive case because ability is an abstract concept that you have 'some' of, not a single countable object.
Yes! You can say 'Koiralla on kykyä oppia temppuja' (The dog has the ability to learn tricks).
It's neutral to formal. It's very common in news, books, and work environments.
The opposite is 'olla kyvytön' (to be incapable) or 'ei olla kykyä'.
Yes, 'paljon kykyä' (a lot of ability) is very natural.
Use the basic infinitive form of the verb: 'kykyä + laulaa/juosta/tehdä'.
Yes, 'kykyjä' is the plural partitive. You use it when talking about multiple different abilities.
Usually, 'voima' is better for raw strength, but 'kykyä' works for athletic potential.
Rarely. In slang, people use 'pystyä' or 'hanskata'.
Only if you talk about yourself too much. Using it for others is very polite.
'Kyky' is potential/capacity; 'taito' is a specific, practiced skill.
Yes: 'Hänellä oli kykyä'.
Yes, especially in songs about ambition or self-discovery.
Expressions liées
osata
similarTo know how to do something
pystyä
similarTo be able/capable
kyetä
builds onTo be able to
olla lahjoja
synonymTo have talents
omaisuus
contrastProperty/Assets
