Meaning
To look at the context.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'tilannetaju' (situational sense). It is often better to stay silent and 'take the situation into account' than to speak too quickly. In Finnish work culture, taking the situation into account means being autonomous and making decisions based on the current context without always asking a boss. The phrase is frequently used regarding safety in the wilderness or on the sea, where nature's 'situation' is unpredictable.
Word Order Magic
Put the object in the middle ('Ota tilanne huomioon') to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation.
The Negative Trap
Always use the partitive 'tilannetta' if there is a 'ei' or 'en' in the sentence.
Meaning
To look at the context.
Word Order Magic
Put the object in the middle ('Ota tilanne huomioon') to sound more like a native speaker in casual conversation.
The Negative Trap
Always use the partitive 'tilannetta' if there is a 'ei' or 'en' in the sentence.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Meidän täytyy ottaa huomioon tämä ________ (tilanne).
After 'täytyy', the object of the infinitive is in the nominative-looking accusative.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a friend to be empathetic?
How do you say 'Consider his situation'?
'Ota huomioon' is the correct idiomatic phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Miksi Pekka oli niin vihainen? B: En tiedä, hän ei ehkä ________.
In a negative sentence ('ei... ottanut'), the object must be in the partitive case ('tilannetta').
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMeidän täytyy ottaa huomioon tämä ________ (tilanne).
After 'täytyy', the object of the infinitive is in the nominative-looking accusative.
How do you say 'Consider his situation'?
'Ota huomioon' is the correct idiomatic phrase.
A: Miksi Pekka oli niin vihainen? B: En tiedä, hän ei ehkä ________.
In a negative sentence ('ei... ottanut'), the object must be in the partitive case ('tilannetta').
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes! 'Ota hänet huomioon' means 'Take him into account/consider him'.
It is more formal and concise, but 'ottaa huomioon' is perfectly acceptable in all but the most rigid academic texts.
Related Phrases
ottaa kantaa
similarto take a stand
ottaa osaa
similarto participate / to offer condolences
ottaa selvää
builds onto find out
