Meaning
To have left or passed away.
Cultural Background
Finns use this phrase to describe the changing seasons, reflecting a deep, stoic acceptance of nature's cycles. It reflects the value of 'oma rauha' (one's own peace). If someone is 'menossa menojaan', it's polite to let them go. Often used in melancholic poetry to describe the fleeting nature of youth and happiness. Can be used to describe a project or trend that is no longer relevant or is finishing its lifecycle.
Agreement is Key
Always check your subject! If it's 'me' (we), use 'menojamme'. This is the most common error for learners.
Not for Errands
Don't use this for a simple trip to the store. It sounds too dramatic, like you're leaving forever or passing by like a ghost.
Meaning
To have left or passed away.
Agreement is Key
Always check your subject! If it's 'me' (we), use 'menojamme'. This is the most common error for learners.
Not for Errands
Don't use this for a simple trip to the store. It sounds too dramatic, like you're leaving forever or passing by like a ghost.
Poetic Time
Use this when writing about seasons or holidays to sound more like a native speaker. 'Joulu on jo menossa menojaan' sounds very natural.
Respect the Flow
In Finland, if someone says they are 'menossa menojaan', it's a polite signal that they don't have time to talk.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for the subject.
Minä olin jo menossa meno____, kun puhelin soi.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Which sentence correctly describes a bus that just left?
Bussi...
A bus is 'se' (it), which takes the third-person suffix '-an'.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Tilaisuus oli jo menossa menojaan.
The phrase implies the event is already passing or finished.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Näkikö Pekka sinut?' B: 'Ei, hän...'
This explains why he didn't see you—he was already on his way and didn't stop.
Match the Finnish phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
All pairs are correct translations of the respective Finnish forms.
Which of these is a figurative use of the phrase?
Valitse kuvaannollinen merkitys:
Childhood (lapsuus) is an abstract concept, making this a figurative use about the passing of time.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Suffix Agreement
Practice Bank
6 exercisesMinä olin jo menossa meno____, kun puhelin soi.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Bussi...
A bus is 'se' (it), which takes the third-person suffix '-an'.
Tilaisuus oli jo menossa menojaan.
The phrase implies the event is already passing or finished.
A: 'Näkikö Pekka sinut?' B: 'Ei, hän...'
This explains why he didn't see you—he was already on his way and didn't stop.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correct translations of the respective Finnish forms.
Valitse kuvaannollinen merkitys:
Childhood (lapsuus) is an abstract concept, making this a figurative use about the passing of time.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it's very common for vehicles that are passing by or departing. 'Auto meni jo menojaan.'
No, it's neutral. It just describes the fact that they are moving and not stopping.
'Mennä menojaan' is the action (He went), while 'olla menossa menojaan' is the state (He was in the process of going).
Yes, but it's poetic and gentle. Use it with care in sensitive situations.
Yes, the word 'menojaan' (or its variations) always requires a suffix in this idiom.
Yes, it is the plural partitive of 'meno' plus the suffix.
It's grammatically okay but sounds redundant. Usually, you just say 'Olen menossa kotiin'.
Yes, especially when talking about storms, economic trends, or political terms ending.
He ovat menossa menojaan.
It's better to say 'Elokuva loppuu', but you could say the 'era' of that movie is 'menossa menojaan'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends or in a newspaper article.
'Meno' means 'going', 'movement', or 'expense'. In slang, it means 'action' or 'party'.
Yes! 'Lintu lensi menojaan' (The bird flew its way/away).
You could just say 'Hän lähti' (He left), but you lose the nuance of the 'personal path'.
Related Phrases
mennä menojaan
similarTo go one's way
omilla teillään
similarOn one's own paths
nukkua pois
similarTo sleep away
antaa mennä
builds onTo let go / Let it be
häipyä
contrastTo vanish / beat it
lipua ohi
similarTo glide past
