Meaning
To struggle or endure with great effort.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a linguistic pillar of 'Sisu'. It is often used to describe the national character during the Winter War (1939-1940). Commentators use this phrase constantly during cross-country skiing and ice hockey, where 'hanging on' to the lead or the pack is vital. There is a cultural stigma against quitting too early. Entrepreneurs are expected to 'sinnitellä' before declaring bankruptcy. Students are encouraged to 'sinnitellä' through difficult subjects like advanced mathematics or Swedish.
Use it for respect
Using this phrase about someone else's struggle shows you recognize their 'sisu' and effort.
Don't use for fun
It sounds very strange to say you 'sinnittelit' through a party or a movie you liked.
Meaning
To struggle or endure with great effort.
Use it for respect
Using this phrase about someone else's struggle shows you recognize their 'sisu' and effort.
Don't use for fun
It sounds very strange to say you 'sinnittelit' through a party or a movie you liked.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana oikeassa muodossa.
Vaikka yritys oli konkurssin partaalla, omistajat __________ viimeiseen asti.
The sentence is in the past tense (oli) and the subject is plural (omistajat).
Mikä näistä on oikea muoto?
Hän päätti...
'Asti' requires the illative case (-een).
Yhdistä tilanne ja oikea lause.
Tilanne: Urheilija on väsynyt mutta ei lopeta.
The phrase describes continuing despite exhaustion.
Täydennä dialogi.
A: 'Projekti on todella vaikea, pitäisikö meidän luovuttaa?' B: 'Ei, meidän täytyy...'
The context of not giving up requires 'sinnitellä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVaikka yritys oli konkurssin partaalla, omistajat __________ viimeiseen asti.
The sentence is in the past tense (oli) and the subject is plural (omistajat).
Hän päätti...
'Asti' requires the illative case (-een).
Tilanne: Urheilija on väsynyt mutta ei lopeta.
The phrase describes continuing despite exhaustion.
A: 'Projekti on todella vaikea, pitäisikö meidän luovuttaa?' B: 'Ei, meidän täytyy...'
The context of not giving up requires 'sinnitellä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot necessarily. While it implies hardship, the act of 'sinnittely' is seen as a positive character trait in Finland.
No, you can use it for companies, organizations, or even animals (e.g., a bird struggling in a storm).
'Jatkaa' just means to continue. 'Sinnitellä' means to continue *despite* it being very difficult.
Related Phrases
purra hammasta
similarTo grit one's teeth.
antaa periksi
contrastTo give up.
selviytyä
builds onTo survive/cope.
kituuttaa
specialized formTo scrape by (usually financially).
