Meaning
To clarify a confusing situation.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Selkokieli' (Plain Finnish) is a legal and social standard in Finland to ensure everyone can 'ottaa selkoa' of public information. In Finnish work culture, 'ottaa selko' implies autonomy. If a boss tells you to do this, they expect you to find the answer without further hand-holding. Classic Finnish authors like Mika Waltari often used 'selko' to describe a character's internal struggle for truth.
Use the Partitive
When in doubt, use 'selkoa'. It's almost always correct in speech.
Don't Overuse
If you're just checking the weather, use 'katsoa'. 'Ottaa selko' is for mysteries!
Meaning
To clarify a confusing situation.
Use the Partitive
When in doubt, use 'selkoa'. It's almost always correct in speech.
Don't Overuse
If you're just checking the weather, use 'katsoa'. 'Ottaa selko' is for mysteries!
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana oikeassa muodossa.
Meidän täytyy ottaa ______ tästä asiasta.
Partitive 'selkoa' is the most natural choice for an ongoing investigation.
Mikä lause on oikein?
Valitse luonnollisin vaihtoehto:
'Ottaa selkoa' is used for finding out information, like the location of keys.
Täydennä keskustelu.
A: 'Tämä ohje on tosi vaikea.' B: 'Niin on. ______ siitä yhdessä.'
'Otetaan selkoa' is the correct idiomatic way to suggest investigating together.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMeidän täytyy ottaa ______ tästä asiasta.
Partitive 'selkoa' is the most natural choice for an ongoing investigation.
Valitse luonnollisin vaihtoehto:
'Ottaa selkoa' is used for finding out information, like the location of keys.
A: 'Tämä ohje on tosi vaikea.' B: 'Niin on. ______ siitä yhdessä.'
'Otetaan selkoa' is the correct idiomatic way to suggest investigating together.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsSlightly, but it's still very much in use, especially in writing and professional contexts.
Yes, 'ottaa selkoa ihmisestä' means to find out what kind of person someone really is.
Related Phrases
ottaa selvää
synonymTo find out
tehdä selkoa
specialized formTo account for / explain
saada selko
similarTo get clarity
pysyä selvillä
builds onTo keep track of
