Significado
You must try to succeed.
Contexto cultural
The proverb is closely linked to 'Sisu'. In Finland, it's considered better to try and fail than to not try at all. This is reflected in the 'Day of Failure' (Epäonnistumisen päivä) celebrated on October 13th. Finnish sports commentators frequently use this phrase when an underdog team plays aggressively against a favorite. The startup scene in Helsinki (like Slush) uses this ethos to encourage entrepreneurs to innovate despite the small domestic market. Finnish teachers use this to encourage students to participate in class even if they are unsure of the answer.
The Comma is Key
Always remember the comma before 'joka'. It's a hallmark of correct Finnish writing.
Don't say 'voittaa'
After 'ei', use 'voita'. Using the full infinitive 'voittaa' is a very common beginner mistake.
Significado
You must try to succeed.
The Comma is Key
Always remember the comma before 'joka'. It's a hallmark of correct Finnish writing.
Don't say 'voittaa'
After 'ei', use 'voita'. Using the full infinitive 'voittaa' is a very common beginner mistake.
Use it for Sisu
If you want to sound like a native, use this phrase when someone is complaining about a difficult task. It shows you understand the Finnish work ethic.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Se, joka ei ______, ei ______.
The negation verb 'ei' requires the connegative form of the verb.
Which sentence is the correct way to encourage a friend?
Ystäväsi pelkää hakea uutta työtä. Mitä sanot?
The first option is the standard proverb used for encouragement.
Match the Finnish parts to form the proverb.
Match the halves:
These are two related proverbs about effort and success.
Complete the dialogue with the proverb.
A: 'En uskalla osallistua kilpailuun.' B: 'Mene vain! ______.'
The proverb fits the context of encouraging someone to enter a competition.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosSe, joka ei ______, ei ______.
The negation verb 'ei' requires the connegative form of the verb.
Ystäväsi pelkää hakea uutta työtä. Mitä sanot?
The first option is the standard proverb used for encouragement.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are two related proverbs about effort and success.
A: 'En uskalla osallistua kilpailuun.' B: 'Mene vain! ______.'
The proverb fits the context of encouraging someone to enter a competition.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasNot at all! It's a classic that is still used daily in modern contexts like sports and business.
In this specific proverb, 'kuka' sounds wrong. 'Se, joka' is the standard proverbial structure.
Yes, 'voita' is also the partitive form of 'voi' (butter), but in this context, it is clearly the verb 'to win'. Context is everything!
Yes, if the context is encouraging the team to take a strategic risk. It's neutral enough for professional use.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Parempi katsoa kuin katua' (Better to look than regret) suggests caution instead of risk.
Frases relacionadas
Yrittänyttä ei laiteta
similarOne who has tried shall not be blamed.
Rohkea rokan syö
similarThe brave one eats the pea soup.
Ei se ota jos ei annakaan
similarIt won't take if it doesn't give.
Parempi katsoa kuin katua
contrastBetter to look than to regret.
Lopussa kiitos seisoo
builds onIn the end, the thanks will stand.
