Meaning
Doing what one said they would do.
Cultural Background
A handshake in Finland is often considered as binding as a written contract. If you shake hands on a deal, you are expected to 'pitää lupauksesi' without question. In traditional Sami culture, promises regarding land and reindeer were oral and passed down. Keeping one's word was essential for survival in harsh Arctic conditions. Finns are known for 'under-promising and over-delivering'. They would rather not make a promise than risk not being able to keep it. The 'Vaalilupaus' (election promise) is a common topic of satire in Finland, as people are very critical of politicians who fail to keep them.
The Suffix Secret
If you forget the suffix, just use 'mun' (my) or 'sun' (your) before the word in spoken Finnish: 'Mä pidän mun lupauksen.'
Don't say 'like'
Remember that 'Pidän lupauksesta' means you enjoy the idea of the promise, not that you are doing it!
Meaning
Doing what one said they would do.
The Suffix Secret
If you forget the suffix, just use 'mun' (my) or 'sun' (your) before the word in spoken Finnish: 'Mä pidän mun lupauksen.'
Don't say 'like'
Remember that 'Pidän lupauksesta' means you enjoy the idea of the promise, not that you are doing it!
Silence is Golden
In Finland, it's better to say nothing than to make a promise you aren't 100% sure you can keep.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for 'minä' (I).
Minä pidän lupaukse__.
The suffix for 'minä' is always '-ni'.
Which sentence means 'He kept his promise' in the past tense?
Valitse oikea lause:
'Piti' is the past tense (imperfekt) of 'pitää'.
Match the Finnish phrase to its English meaning.
Yhdistä parit:
These are the three core phrases related to promises.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Lupasit auttaa minua muutossa! B: Tiedän, ja minä ______ lupaukseni.
The context requires 'keep' (pidän).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä pidän lupaukse__.
The suffix for 'minä' is always '-ni'.
Valitse oikea lause:
'Piti' is the past tense (imperfekt) of 'pitää'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three core phrases related to promises.
A: Lupasit auttaa minua muutossa! B: Tiedän, ja minä ______ lupaukseni.
The context requires 'keep' (pidän).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it might sound a bit formal. For small things, you can just say 'Tein sen' (I did it).
'Lupaus' is a promise (one-sided or personal), while 'sopimus' is a contract or agreement (two-sided).
Not really. In slang, people say 'Mä hoidan' (I'll handle it) or 'Sana' (Word).
You say 'Minä lupaan'.
Related Phrases
pysyä sanassaan
synonymTo stay in one's word
syödä sanansa
contrastTo eat one's words
antaa lupaus
builds onTo give a promise
perua puheensa
similarTo take back one's words
