Meaning
To honor a commitment over time.
Cultural Background
Finns are known for being 'sanan mittaisia' (as long as their word). Keeping a promise alive is a matter of personal honor. In Sami culture, oral promises regarding land and reindeer were traditionally as strong as written laws. In modern business, 'keeping a promise alive' often refers to 'Brand Integrity'. Politicians use this phrase to signal that they haven't abandoned their platform after being elected.
Use with 'Toivo'
This same structure works perfectly with 'toivo' (hope). 'Pitää toivoa elossa' is a very common and powerful phrase.
Avoid 'Elävänä'
Don't say 'pitää lupaus elävänä'. It sounds like the promise is a physical animal you are holding.
Meaning
To honor a commitment over time.
Use with 'Toivo'
This same structure works perfectly with 'toivo' (hope). 'Pitää toivoa elossa' is a very common and powerful phrase.
Avoid 'Elävänä'
Don't say 'pitää lupaus elävänä'. It sounds like the promise is a physical animal you are holding.
The Weight of Words
In Finland, saying you will keep a promise 'elossa' is a serious statement. Don't use it lightly.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana oikeassa muodossa.
Meidän on yritettävä pitää tämä ________ elossa.
The object of 'pitää' (to keep) in this context is in the nominative/accusative form 'lupaus'.
Mikä lause on luonnollisin?
Miten voimme varmistaa, että lupaus säilyy?
'Elossa' is the correct idiomatic state for maintaining a promise.
Täydennä dialogi.
A: 'Oletko vielä muistanut lupauksesi?' B: 'Tietenkin, yritän joka päivä...'
Keeping it alive is the logical response to remembering a promise.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMeidän on yritettävä pitää tämä ________ elossa.
The object of 'pitää' (to keep) in this context is in the nominative/accusative form 'lupaus'.
Miten voimme varmistaa, että lupaus säilyy?
'Elossa' is the correct idiomatic state for maintaining a promise.
A: 'Oletko vielä muistanut lupauksesi?' B: 'Tietenkin, yritän joka päivä...'
Keeping it alive is the logical response to remembering a promise.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but it sounds sarcastic. Use it for big life commitments.
'Pitää lupaus' is the act of keeping it. 'Elossa' emphasizes the ongoing effort over time.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or in a speech.
Minä pidän, sinä pidät, hän pitää, me pidämme, te pidätte, he pitävät.
Yes, 'hengissä' is a synonym for 'elossa', but 'elossa' is slightly more common for abstract things.
Related Phrases
pitää sanansa
synonymTo keep one's word
vaalia muistoa
similarTo cherish a memory
syödä sanansa
contrastTo eat one's words
pettää lupaus
contrastTo betray a promise
