Meaning
Asking if a seat or item is available.
Cultural Background
Finns value personal space highly. Even if a seat is empty, asking 'Onko tämä vapaa?' is a sign of respect for the person sitting next to it. Don't expect a long conversation after asking. A simple 'On' or a nod is the standard, polite response. In Finland, it is considered slightly rude to sit next to someone if there are entirely empty rows available elsewhere. It is very common to ask this about gym equipment. If the answer is 'Ei' (No), they will usually tell you how many 'sarjaa' (sets) they have left.
The Power of the Nod
In Finland, a silent nod is a perfectly polite answer to this question. Don't be surprised if they don't speak!
Vapaa vs. Ilmainen
Never use 'ilmainen' for a seat unless you are asking if the seat is for sale for zero euros.
Meaning
Asking if a seat or item is available.
The Power of the Nod
In Finland, a silent nod is a perfectly polite answer to this question. Don't be surprised if they don't speak!
Vapaa vs. Ilmainen
Never use 'ilmainen' for a seat unless you are asking if the seat is for sale for zero euros.
Use 'Anteeksi'
Always start with 'Anteeksi' (Excuse me) to sound like a polite, high-level learner.
Personal Space
If there are many empty seats, don't ask to sit next to someone. It's culturally weird in Finland.
Test Yourself
Complete the question to ask if the seat is free.
Anteeksi, ____ tämä vapaa?
We need the verb 'on' (is) plus the question suffix '-ko'.
Which one is the most common SPOKEN (informal) form?
How do you say 'Is this free?' to a friend?
'Onks tää' is the standard contraction in spoken Finnish.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to sit next to someone on a train.
This is the standard phrase for checking seat availability.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Anteeksi, onko tämä vapaa? B: ____, ole hyvä.
The answer 'On' (It is) confirms the seat is free.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Vapaa vs. Ilmainen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnteeksi, ____ tämä vapaa?
We need the verb 'on' (is) plus the question suffix '-ko'.
How do you say 'Is this free?' to a friend?
'Onks tää' is the standard contraction in spoken Finnish.
You want to sit next to someone on a train.
This is the standard phrase for checking seat availability.
A: Anteeksi, onko tämä vapaa? B: ____, ole hyvä.
The answer 'On' (It is) confirms the seat is free.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, use 'Oletko vapaa?' or 'Oletko sinkku?'. 'Onko tämä vapaa?' refers to objects or spaces.
'Tämä' means 'this' (the object). 'Tässä' means 'in this' (the spot). Both work, but 'Onko tämä vapaa?' is more common for a specific chair.
If the place is crowded, it's polite to ask. If it's empty, you don't need to ask.
You can say 'Ei, se on varattu' (No, it is reserved) or 'Tässä istuu jo joku' (Someone is already sitting here).
That is the spoken Finnish (puhekieli) version. It's faster and more casual.
Yes, it means both 'vacant' and 'free' (as in liberty).
Yes! 'Onko tämä parkkipaikka vapaa?'
It works perfectly. 'Onko tämä [pöytä] vapaa?'
In formal/neutral Finnish, yes. In slang, you might just say 'Tää vapaa?' with a questioning look, but it's less common.
'Ovatko nämä vapaat?' (Are these free?)
Yes, it is an adjective that describes the state of the seat.
'Tyhjä' means 'empty'. It's okay, but 'vapaa' is much more common for seating.
Say 'On, ole hyvä' (It is, please/go ahead) or 'Joo, ota vaan' (Yeah, just take it).
Yes, it is universal across all Finnish dialects.
Related Phrases
Onko tässä vapaata?
similarIs there space here?
Saisinko istua tähän?
similarMay I sit here?
Tämä on varattu
contrastThis is reserved
Onks tää vapaa?
specialized formIs this free? (Spoken)
Oletko vapaa?
similarAre you free?
