Meaning
To be in good health or power.
Cultural Background
The 'Teräsvaari' (Steel Grandpa) archetype is a national hero. Staying 'voimissaan' is seen as a moral duty to oneself. Longevity and active aging are highly valued in the Nordic welfare model, where 'voimissaan' describes the goal of senior care. In the startup world, 'voimissaan' is used to describe 'cockroach startups' that survive any market crash. In the Kalevala, heroes like Väinämöinen are often described through their 'voima'. Being 'voimissaan' connects a modern Finn to these mythic roots.
The Suffix Secret
Always check the subject. If it's 'me' (we), it's 'voimissamme'. It's a common test question!
Don't Personify Tickets
Using 'voimissaan' for a ticket makes it sound like the ticket is exercising at the gym.
Meaning
To be in good health or power.
The Suffix Secret
Always check the subject. If it's 'me' (we), it's 'voimissamme'. It's a common test question!
Don't Personify Tickets
Using 'voimissaan' for a ticket makes it sound like the ticket is exercising at the gym.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for the person.
Minä olen 70-vuotias, mutta olen yhä voimissa__.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Which sentence is correct?
Talking about a bus ticket:
'Voimassa' is used for validity; 'voimissaan' is for vitality.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko isoisäsi jo eläkkeellä? B: On, mutta hän on yhä täysissä ________.
The subject is 'isoisä' (he), so we use the 3rd person suffix '-an'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMinä olen 70-vuotias, mutta olen yhä voimissa__.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the suffix must be '-ni'.
Talking about a bus ticket:
'Voimassa' is used for validity; 'voimissaan' is for vitality.
A: Onko isoisäsi jo eläkkeellä? B: On, mutta hän on yhä täysissä ________.
The subject is 'isoisä' (he), so we use the 3rd person suffix '-an'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but it's less common. It usually implies they have recovered from an illness or are performing at an elite level.
Usually, yes. However, it can be used negatively, e.g., 'Vanhat ennakkoluulot ovat yhä voimissaan' (Old prejudices are still going strong).
Related Phrases
olla voimassa
similarTo be valid (laws, tickets).
täydessä terässä
synonymIn top shape (lit. 'in full blade').
voimiensa tunnossa
similarFeeling one's power (often with a hint of arrogance).
menettää voimansa
contrastTo lose one's strength.
