Meaning
Moving forward.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'pienet askeleet' (small steps). There is a cultural distrust of people who promise 'suuria harppauksia' (great leaps) without a solid plan. In Finnish meetings, saying 'otetaan askel' usually signals the end of the discussion phase and the start of the implementation phase. The Finnish school system emphasizes that every student takes steps at their own pace, reflecting a non-competitive approach to progress.
Use with 'kohti'
This phrase sounds most natural when followed by 'kohti' (towards) + partitive. E.g., 'askel kohti vapautta' (a step toward freedom).
Watch the 'tt'
Remember: 'ottaa' (to take) but 'otan' (I take). The double 't' disappears in the first person!
Meaning
Moving forward.
Use with 'kohti'
This phrase sounds most natural when followed by 'kohti' (towards) + partitive. E.g., 'askel kohti vapautta' (a step toward freedom).
Watch the 'tt'
Remember: 'ottaa' (to take) but 'otan' (I take). The double 't' disappears in the first person!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'askel'.
Otin eilen ensimmäisen ________ kohti uutta harrastusta.
The sentence is positive and the action is completed, so we use the accusative (genitive form) 'askeleen'.
Which verb is used with 'askel' in Finnish?
Minun täytyy _______ askel.
In Finnish, you 'take' (ottaa) a step.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Ottaa askel taaksepäin
Taking a step back is used for reflection or when things aren't going well.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to take a step
Life
- • Marriage
- • Moving
- • New Hobby
Work
- • Promotion
- • New Project
- • Learning Skill
Practice Bank
3 exercisesOtin eilen ensimmäisen ________ kohti uutta harrastusta.
The sentence is positive and the action is completed, so we use the accusative (genitive form) 'askeleen'.
Minun täytyy _______ askel.
In Finnish, you 'take' (ottaa) a step.
Ottaa askel taaksepäin
Taking a step back is used for reflection or when things aren't going well.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, that sounds like you are building a physical step out of wood or stone. Always use 'ottaa'.
Finnish has no grammatical gender! 'Askel' is neutral like all Finnish nouns.
Related Phrases
ottaa ensiaskel
specialized formto take the first step
ottaa harppaus
similarto take a leap
astua harhaan
contrastto step astray
pysyä askeleen edellä
builds onto stay a step ahead
