Meaning
Feeling happy about something.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'vaatimattomuus' (modesty). Using 'mielissään' is a way to show you are happy without sounding like you are bragging. It is the socially 'safe' way to express success. In Finnish offices, feedback is often direct but sparse. If a Finnish colleague says they are 'mielissään' with your work, it is a very strong positive sign. The word 'mieli' is often linked to the peace found in nature. Being 'mielissään' can describe the quiet joy of a forest walk or a successful fishing trip. When visiting a Finnish home, expressing that you are 'mielissäsi' about the food or the invitation is a key part of being a good guest.
The 'About' Case
Always use the elative case (-sta/-stä) for the thing you are happy about. 'Olen mielissäni täSTÄ'.
Suffix Agreement
Never say 'Minä olen mielissään'. It sounds like you are happy inside someone else's mind!
Meaning
Feeling happy about something.
The 'About' Case
Always use the elative case (-sta/-stä) for the thing you are happy about. 'Olen mielissäni täSTÄ'.
Suffix Agreement
Never say 'Minä olen mielissään'. It sounds like you are happy inside someone else's mind!
Social Lubricant
Use this phrase in emails to sound polite and warm. It's the perfect professional 'thank you'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for 'mielissä-'.
Minä olen todella mielissä__ tästä lahjasta.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'They are pleased'?
The 3rd person plural 'He' uses the suffix '-än'.
Match the situation to the best response.
Someone gives you a compliment on your Finnish skills.
'Kehuista' means 'about the compliments'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Saitko uuden työpaikan?' B: 'Sain! Olen todella ________.'
B is talking about themselves, so they use the 1st person suffix.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to be 'Mielissään'
Social
- • Compliments
- • Invitations
- • Good news
Personal
- • Gifts
- • Small wins
- • Petting a dog
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä olen todella mielissä__ tästä lahjasta.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
How do you say 'They are pleased'?
The 3rd person plural 'He' uses the suffix '-än'.
Someone gives you a compliment on your Finnish skills.
'Kehuista' means 'about the compliments'.
A: 'Saitko uuden työpaikan?' B: 'Sain! Olen todella ________.'
B is talking about themselves, so they use the 1st person suffix.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfect for a job interview.
Yes, but remember to say 'Olen mielissäni'.
'Iloinen' is 'happy' (general), 'mielissään' is 'pleased' (specific reaction).
You can, but 'onnessaan' or 'erittäin iloinen' might fit better for huge excitement.
Use 'Olen mielissäni puolestasi'.
Yes, very much so, though the possessive suffixes are strictly followed even in speech.
Yes! It's often used for animals that look satisfied.
It means mind, mood, or soul depending on the context.
Yes, 'olla pahoillaan' (to be sorry/sad).
It sounds a bit strange. Usually, you are pleased about an action, not a person. Use 'puolestasi' (for your sake).
Related Phrases
olla hyvillään
synonymTo be glad/pleased
tulla hyvälle mielelle
similarTo get into a good mood
olla tyytyväinen
similarTo be satisfied
olla onnessaan
builds onTo be overjoyed
mielistellä
specialized formTo flatter
