Meaning
Possess the skill to perform a task.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'hiljainen tieto' (tacit knowledge) and 'kyky' that is shown through work rather than words. Bragging about your 'kyky' is often looked down upon. In contrast to Finland, American professional culture encourages 'selling' your 'kyky' (abilities) explicitly and confidently. Similar to Finland, Japanese culture values 'nouryoku' (ability) but emphasizes humility. One's ability is often credited to the group or teacher. The Swedish concept of 'Lagom' and 'Jantelagen' mirrors the Finnish modesty regarding personal 'kyky'. Don't think you are better than anyone else.
Use the -miseen ending
When using a verb with this phrase, turn it into a noun with -miseen (e.g., 'kykyä organisoimiseen'). It sounds much more professional than the basic infinitive.
Watch the case!
Remember: Person-LLA + ON + KYKYÄ + Thing-HIN. If you miss one, the whole sentence feels 'off' to a native speaker.
Meaning
Possess the skill to perform a task.
Use the -miseen ending
When using a verb with this phrase, turn it into a noun with -miseen (e.g., 'kykyä organisoimiseen'). It sounds much more professional than the basic infinitive.
Watch the case!
Remember: Person-LLA + ON + KYKYÄ + Thing-HIN. If you miss one, the whole sentence feels 'off' to a native speaker.
Modesty is key
If someone compliments your 'kyky', a common Finnish response is 'Kiitos, teen parhaani' (Thanks, I do my best) rather than 'Yes, I am very talented'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Hänellä on ______ (kyky) musiikkiin.
The partitive 'kykyä' is used in this possessive structure.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
Requires Adessive (Minulla), Partitive (kykyä), and Illative (kieliin).
Match the Finnish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Direct translations of the examples provided.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Etsimme uutta myyjää. B: Pekalla on varmasti ______ myyntityöhön.
The context requires the word for 'ability' in the partitive.
In which situation would you most likely use 'olla kykyä johonkin'?
Select the best situation:
It is a formal/professional phrase used to describe skills.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesHänellä on ______ (kyky) musiikkiin.
The partitive 'kykyä' is used in this possessive structure.
Choose the correct option:
Requires Adessive (Minulla), Partitive (kykyä), and Illative (kieliin).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translations of the examples provided.
A: Etsimme uutta myyjää. B: Pekalla on varmasti ______ myyntityöhön.
The context requires the word for 'ability' in the partitive.
Select the best situation:
It is a formal/professional phrase used to describe skills.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are talking about a specific, whole ability (e.g., 'Tämä kyky on tärkeä'). In the 'olla' structure, 'kykyä' is almost always partitive.
'Osata' is 'to know how' (learned skill). 'Olla kykyä' is 'to have the capacity' (potential or deep skill).
Not really. It's a bit too formal for slang, though you might hear it in serious discussions among young adults.
Minulla on kykyjä johonkin (I have abilities for something). Use the plural partitive 'kykyjä' if you have multiple skills in that area.
Yes, e.g., 'Koiralla on kykyä oppia uusia temppuja' (The dog has the ability to learn new tricks).
Minulla ei ole kykyä... or Minulta puuttuu kykyä...
Always 'johonkin' (Illative). 'Jostakin' (Elative) would be incorrect here.
Rarely. Usually, we use 'ominaisuus' (feature) for objects, but you might say a computer has 'kykyä' in a metaphorical sense.
'Kyky' is more about potential/capacity; 'taito' is more about a specific, practiced skill.
Yes, very common when discussing the government's or a company's ability to handle situations.
Related Phrases
olla lahjoja johonkin
similarTo have natural talents for something.
pystyä johonkin
similarTo be able to do something.
olla edellytyksiä johonkin
builds onTo have the prerequisites/potential for something.
osata jotakin
similarTo know how to do something.
olla kyvytön johonkin
contrastTo be incapable of something.
