Meaning
To behave justly.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'kohtuus' is linked to the Finnish agrarian history where resources were shared to ensure the survival of the village. This phrase is a cornerstone of the 'Nordic Model', emphasizing social equity over individual profit. The phrase is a direct descendant of the 1734 Swedish law code, which is still the basis for many Finnish legal concepts. In Finnish work culture, 'kohtuus' means that work-life balance is respected and overtime is compensated fairly.
Use the Conditional
Starting with 'Olisi vain oikeus ja kohtuus...' makes your argument sound more persuasive and less aggressive.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for small things, you will sound like you are complaining too much or being overly dramatic.
Meaning
To behave justly.
Use the Conditional
Starting with 'Olisi vain oikeus ja kohtuus...' makes your argument sound more persuasive and less aggressive.
Don't Overuse
If you use this for small things, you will sound like you are complaining too much or being overly dramatic.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuvat sanat oikeassa muodossa.
Olisi vain ______ ja ______, että kaikki saavat saman verran kakkua.
In the 'olla + [phrase]' structure, we use the nominative form.
Mikä tilanne sopii parhaiten tälle ilmaisulle?
Milloin sanoisit 'tehdä oikeus ja kohtuus'?
The phrase is used for serious matters of fairness and moral balance.
Täydennä keskustelu.
A: 'Pomo antoi minulle bonuksen, mutta ei muille.' B: 'Se ei tunnu hyvältä. _________________.'
B is pointing out that the situation was unfair to the others.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesOlisi vain ______ ja ______, että kaikki saavat saman verran kakkua.
In the 'olla + [phrase]' structure, we use the nominative form.
Milloin sanoisit 'tehdä oikeus ja kohtuus'?
The phrase is used for serious matters of fairness and moral balance.
A: 'Pomo antoi minulle bonuksen, mutta ei muille.' B: 'Se ei tunnu hyvältä. _________________.'
B is pointing out that the situation was unfair to the others.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it is very common in everyday life, especially in work and family contexts where fairness is important.
Technically yes, but it sounds unnatural. The order is almost always 'oikeus ja kohtuus'.
'Reilu' is casual (like 'fair'), while 'oikeus ja kohtuus' is more serious and carries moral weight.
Related Phrases
kohtuus kaikessa
similarModeration in everything.
oikeudenmukaisuus
synonymJustice/Fairness (noun).
reilu peli
informalFair play.
