Signification
Acting in a kind manner.
Contexte culturel
Kindness is often shown through silence and giving space. Over-the-top friendliness can be seen as suspicious or insincere. In contrast to Finland, American kindness often involves high energy, smiling, and verbal enthusiasm ('Have a great day!'). Kindness ('shinsetsu') is deeply tied to 'omotenashi' (hospitality) and anticipating others' needs before they ask. There is a saying that 'smiling without a reason is a sign of a fool.' Kindness is reserved for those you actually know.
Email Sign-offs
Always use 'Ystävällisin terveisin' in Finnish emails. It's the most professional and safe way to end any message.
Plural Agreement
Don't forget to change it to 'ystävällisiä' when talking about more than one person. This is a very common mistake for A1-A2 learners.
Signification
Acting in a kind manner.
Email Sign-offs
Always use 'Ystävällisin terveisin' in Finnish emails. It's the most professional and safe way to end any message.
Plural Agreement
Don't forget to change it to 'ystävällisiä' when talking about more than one person. This is a very common mistake for A1-A2 learners.
The 'Ole hyvä' Connection
If you are 'ystävällinen' and give something to someone, you say 'Ole hyvä'. They are related concepts of social grace.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'olla'.
Meidän täytyy ______ ystävällisiä kaikille.
After 'täytyy' (must), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct plural form:
Plural subjects (He) require plural verbs (ovat) and plural adjectives (ystävällisiä).
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: 'Voinko auttaa sinua?' B: 'Kiitos, oletpa ________!'
B is describing A's character in the singular nominative form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Olkaa ystävällisiä ja istukaa'?
'Olkaa' is the plural/formal imperative, and 'istukaa' is the plural/formal 'sit down'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Kind vs. Polite
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMeidän täytyy ______ ystävällisiä kaikille.
After 'täytyy' (must), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
Choose the correct plural form:
Plural subjects (He) require plural verbs (ovat) and plural adjectives (ystävällisiä).
A: 'Voinko auttaa sinua?' B: 'Kiitos, oletpa ________!'
B is describing A's character in the singular nominative form.
When would you say 'Olkaa ystävällisiä ja istukaa'?
'Olkaa' is the plural/formal imperative, and 'istukaa' is the plural/formal 'sit down'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly yes. You can use it for people, their actions, or the 'service' in a place. You wouldn't use it for a sunny day or a good book.
'Ystävällinen' is 'kind/friendly', while 'mukava' is 'nice/pleasant/comfortable'. 'Mukava' is more informal.
You say 'Ole ystävällinen itsellesi'.
Yes, you can say 'Koira on ystävällinen' (The dog is friendly).
It is neutral. It works in every situation from a palace to a pub.
The opposite is 'epäystävällinen' (unkind/unfriendly).
The verb 'olla' changes to 'oli'. So, 'Hän oli ystävällinen'.
Yes, it is 'ystävällisyys'.
You can say 'erittäin ystävällinen' or 'tosi ystävällinen'.
Yes, but be careful. 'Olipa ystävällistä' can mean 'That was so unkind' if said with the right tone.
Expressions liées
olla mukava
similarTo be nice or pleasant.
olla kohtelias
specialized formTo be polite.
olla epäystävällinen
contrastTo be unkind/unfriendly.
ystävällisin terveisin
builds onBest regards (literally: with kindest greetings).
