Signification
A long period has passed since an event.
Contexte culturel
Finns value 'asiallinen' (matter-of-fact) communication. Acknowledging time with this phrase is a way to show you value the history without being overly emotional. In the north, time is often measured by the 'eight seasons'. This phrase might be used when referring to the last time the 'kaamos' (polar night) was this dark. In offices, this phrase is a polite way to restart a dormant professional relationship or project without blaming anyone for the delay. On Finnish forums like Vauva.fi or Ylilauta, this phrase is often used ironically when someone bumps a very old thread (necroposting).
Use the '-kin' for warmth
Adding '-kin' makes you sound like a native speaker who is genuinely reflecting, rather than just stating a fact.
Watch the case!
Never say 'siitä on aika'. It must be 'aikaa' (partitive).
Signification
A long period has passed since an event.
Use the '-kin' for warmth
Adding '-kin' makes you sound like a native speaker who is genuinely reflecting, rather than just stating a fact.
Watch the case!
Never say 'siitä on aika'. It must be 'aikaa' (partitive).
The Finnish Pause
After saying this phrase, it's common to have a 1-2 second pause to let the nostalgia sink in. Don't rush to the next sentence!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Siitä ______ jo aikaa.
The third-person singular 'on' + clitic '-kin' is the standard form for this expression.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct version:
You need the elative 'siitä' and the partitive 'aikaa'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Muistatko, kun kävimme Pariisissa vuonna 2010?' B: 'Totta kai! _________.'
This is the most natural nostalgic response to a memory from 2010.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
When would you say 'Siitä onkin jo aikaa'?
The phrase is used for long intervals of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSiitä ______ jo aikaa.
The third-person singular 'on' + clitic '-kin' is the standard form for this expression.
Choose the correct version:
You need the elative 'siitä' and the partitive 'aikaa'.
A: 'Muistatko, kun kävimme Pariisissa vuonna 2010?' B: 'Totta kai! _________.'
This is the most natural nostalgic response to a memory from 2010.
When would you say 'Siitä onkin jo aikaa'?
The phrase is used for long intervals of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, but you usually add 'kun näimme' (since we saw each other). For example: 'Siitä onkin jo aikaa, kun näimme.'
Absolutely. It's a very polite way to acknowledge a long gap between meetings.
'Kauan' means 'a long time' (adverb), while 'aikaa' is 'time' (noun). They are mostly interchangeable, but 'aikaa' is slightly more common in this specific idiom.
'Siitä' is sufficient to mean 'since then' in this existential structure. 'Siitä asti' is used more for continuous actions (e.g., 'Olen asunut täällä siitä asti').
Expressions liées
siitä on kauan
synonymIt's been a long time.
viime kerrasta on aikaa
similarIt's been a while since the last time.
siitä on ikuisuus
specialized formIt's been an eternity.
vastahan me näimme
contrastWe just saw each other.
