Meaning
Certainty.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'asiallisuus' (matter-of-factness). Saying 'olen varma' is a serious claim and is expected to be backed by facts. In the Swedish-speaking parts of Finland, the usage is identical, but the social vibe might be slightly more conversational. In the north, certainty about nature and weather is vital for safety. 'Olla varma' can literally be a matter of life and death in the wilderness. In meetings, being 'varma' is preferred over being vague. However, if you aren't sure, it's better to admit it than to be wrong later.
The 'Että' Connection
Use 'että' to connect your certainty to a whole sentence. 'Olen varma, että...'
Don't skip 'olla'
English speakers often forget the 'am' in 'I am sure'. In Finnish, 'Minä varma' is incorrect.
Meaning
Certainty.
The 'Että' Connection
Use 'että' to connect your certainty to a whole sentence. 'Olen varma, että...'
Don't skip 'olla'
English speakers often forget the 'am' in 'I am sure'. In Finnish, 'Minä varma' is incorrect.
Spoken Finnish
Say 'Oon varma' to sound like a local in Helsinki.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Minä ____ varma.
The first person singular form of 'olla' is 'olen'.
Choose the correct way to say 'Are you sure?'
How do you ask a friend if they are sure?
'Oletko' is the question form for 'sinä' (you).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko tänään maanantai? B: En ____ varma.
In negative sentences, 'en' is followed by the root form 'ole'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 100% sure about a plan.
'Aivan varma' expresses total certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Degrees of Certainty
100%
- • Aivan varma
- • Täysin varma
90%
- • Melko varma
- • Aika varma
50%
- • En ole varma
- • Ehkä
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä ____ varma.
The first person singular form of 'olla' is 'olen'.
How do you ask a friend if they are sure?
'Oletko' is the question form for 'sinä' (you).
A: Onko tänään maanantai? B: En ____ varma.
In negative sentences, 'en' is followed by the root form 'ole'.
You are 100% sure about a plan.
'Aivan varma' expresses total certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Varma' is general and common. 'Vakuuttunut' is more formal and means 'convinced'.
Say 'En ole varma'.
Yes, 'Hän on varma ihminen' means he is a reliable/confident person.
No, Finnish has no grammatical gender.
The elative case (-sta/-stä).
Yes, 'saletti' or 'varma nakki' are common slang terms.
No, that means 'I am surely', which is incomplete.
Oletko sataprosenttisen varma?
It means 'just in case'.
Yes, it is neutral and polite.
Related Phrases
varmistaa
specialized formTo confirm/ensure
varmasti
similarSurely
olla vakuuttunut
synonymTo be convinced
tietää
builds onTo know
varma nakki
specialized formA sure thing
