Meaning
To feel satisfaction regarding an achievement.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'vaatimattomuus' (modesty). While 'olla ylpeä' is positive, bragging (ylpeillä) is often looked down upon. Pride is usually expressed quietly. In Sami culture, pride is often linked to heritage, reindeer herding, and the preservation of the Sami languages. It is a collective pride. In the modern startup scene (like Slush), pride is expressed more openly and 'American-style' to encourage innovation. Finns are intensely proud of their 'Sisu' in sports, especially in ice hockey and winter sports.
The -sta Rule
Always remember the 'from' logic. You are proud 'from' something in Finnish.
Bragging vs. Pride
Avoid the verb 'ylpeillä' unless you want to sound like you are showing off.
Meaning
To feel satisfaction regarding an achievement.
The -sta Rule
Always remember the 'from' logic. You are proud 'from' something in Finnish.
Bragging vs. Pride
Avoid the verb 'ylpeillä' unless you want to sound like you are showing off.
Plural Agreement
If you are talking about 'us' (me), use 'ylpeitä'. It's a common B1 level test point!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the word in parentheses.
Olen ylpeä ______ (sinä).
The phrase 'olla ylpeä' requires the elative case (-sta).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence:
When the subject is plural (me), the adjective must also be plural (ylpeitä), and the object must be in the elative case (lapsista).
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Sain uuden työpaikan! B: Vau, onneksi olkoon! Olen todella ______.
This is the standard way to congratulate someone on an achievement.
Match the feeling to the situation.
Mistä olet ylpeä? Match: 1. Valmistuminen, 2. Uusi auto, 3. Hyvä ruoka.
All these situations can trigger the feeling of being 'ylpeä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOlen ylpeä ______ (sinä).
The phrase 'olla ylpeä' requires the elative case (-sta).
Choose the correct sentence:
When the subject is plural (me), the adjective must also be plural (ylpeitä), and the object must be in the elative case (lapsista).
A: Sain uuden työpaikan! B: Vau, onneksi olkoon! Olen todella ______.
This is the standard way to congratulate someone on an achievement.
Mistä olet ylpeä? Match: 1. Valmistuminen, 2. Uusi auto, 3. Hyvä ruoka.
All these situations can trigger the feeling of being 'ylpeä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that's incorrect. You must use the elative case: 'Olen ylpeä sinusta'.
In the phrase 'olla ylpeä jostakin', yes. On its own, it can sometimes mean 'haughty', but context usually makes it clear.
You can say: 'Olen ylpeä siitä, että olen suomalainen.'
'Ylpeä' is deeper and related to achievement; 'tyytyväinen' just means 'satisfied' or 'happy with'.
Yes, like 'Olen ylpeä uudesta talostani' (I am proud of my new house).
Yes, modern Finns encourage 'terve itsetunto' (healthy self-esteem).
The plural nominative is 'ylpeät', but in this phrase, we use the plural partitive 'ylpeitä'.
No, Finnish has no grammatical gender.
Yes, 'ylpee' (dropping the final 'ä').
Olen niin ylpeä!
Absolutely, it's a great way to talk about your successes.
Maybe 'häpeissään' (ashamed) or 'nöyryytetty' (humiliated).
Related Phrases
tuntea ylpeyttä
similarto feel pride
ylpeillä
specialized formto brag
itsetunto
builds onself-esteem
kunnioittaa
similarto respect
