Meaning
Describing a long distance.
Cultural Background
Finns have a high tolerance for distance. A 'short walk' might be 2 kilometers, and a 'nearby' neighbor might be 500 meters away. In the north, distance is measured in time rather than kilometers because of snow and winding roads. In cities like Helsinki, 'kaukana' is used for anything outside the main tram network. The 'Finnish arm's length' is a real concept. Being 'kaukana' from others in public is a sign of respect for their privacy.
The 'From' Rule
Always remember to use the -lta/-ltä or -sta/-stä ending on the place you are far FROM.
Motion vs. State
Don't use 'kaukana' if you are moving. If you are driving away, you are going 'kauas'.
Meaning
Describing a long distance.
The 'From' Rule
Always remember to use the -lta/-ltä or -sta/-stä ending on the place you are far FROM.
Motion vs. State
Don't use 'kaukana' if you are moving. If you are driving away, you are going 'kauas'.
Emphasis
Add 'ihan' before 'kaukana' to sound more like a native speaker when emphasizing distance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'far'.
Helsinki on ______ Oulusta.
We are describing a static location, so 'kaukana' is correct.
Which sentence means 'Is the market far from here?'
Distance from a point requires the ablative case 'täältä'.
Match the Finnish phrase to its English meaning.
1. Se on kaukana. 2. Se on lähellä. 3. Se on tosi kaukana.
Kaukana = far, Lähellä = near, Tosi kaukana = really far.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Kaukana vs. Lähellä
Practice Bank
3 exercisesHelsinki on ______ Oulusta.
We are describing a static location, so 'kaukana' is correct.
Distance from a point requires the ablative case 'täältä'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Kaukana = far, Lähellä = near, Tosi kaukana = really far.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly in abstract phrases like 'kaukana tulevaisuudessa' (far in the future). For 'a long time', use 'kauan'.
Yes, but 'etäällä' is more formal. In everyday speech, 'kaukana' is much more common.
You can just say 'kaukana' or 'kaukana poissa' if you mean someone is absent.
It doesn't require a case for itself, but the reference point usually takes the Ablative (-lta) or Elative (-sta) case.
Not physically, but if you say someone's mind is 'kaukana', it might imply they aren't paying attention.
Use 'erittäin kaukana' (formal) or 'tosi kaukana' (informal).
Yes, 'Hän on kaukana' means 'He is far away'.
The opposite is 'lähellä' (near).
No, it's an adverb. The adjective form is 'kaukainen'.
Yes, that means 'It is far from me'.
Related Phrases
lähellä
contrastnear
kauas
similarto a far place
kaukaa
similarfrom a far place
etäällä
synonymat a distance
kaukainen
specialized formdistant (adjective)
