Meaning
There is some truth in the claim.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'vaatimattomuus' (modesty). Using this phrase shows you are not overconfident in your own knowledge. Journalists often use this phrase in opinion pieces to analyze political rhetoric without taking a hard side. In older times, this was a way to handle 'Lapin lisää' (exaggerations from the north) politely. It is a common 'soft' disagreement tool in Finnish consensus-based decision making.
Use it to be diplomatic
If you disagree with someone, start with 'Totta toinen puoli...' before saying 'mutta' (but). It makes you sound much more reasonable.
Don't use for facts
Never use this for mathematical or scientific facts. It implies the other person is half-lying.
Meaning
There is some truth in the claim.
Use it to be diplomatic
If you disagree with someone, start with 'Totta toinen puoli...' before saying 'mutta' (but). It makes you sound much more reasonable.
Don't use for facts
Never use this for mathematical or scientific facts. It implies the other person is half-lying.
Test Yourself
Täytä puuttuva sana sananlaskuun.
Totta _______ puoli.
The standard form is 'Totta toinen puoli'.
Mitä 'Totta toinen puoli' tarkoittaa?
Valitse oikea merkitys.
It means that part of the claim is true, but not all.
Missä tilanteessa käyttäisit tätä sanontaa?
Ystäväsi kertoo hurjan huhun, joka kuulostaa hieman liioitellulta.
The phrase is used to acknowledge a grain of truth in an exaggerated story.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesTotta _______ puoli.
The standard form is 'Totta toinen puoli'.
Valitse oikea merkitys.
It means that part of the claim is true, but not all.
Ystäväsi kertoo hurjan huhun, joka kuulostaa hieman liioitellulta.
The phrase is used to acknowledge a grain of truth in an exaggerated story.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is generally considered polite and thoughtful. It shows you are considering the other person's point of view.
No, the phrase is fixed as 'toinen puoli'. Changing it would sound very strange to a native speaker.
Related Phrases
Ei savua ilman tulta
similarNo smoke without fire.
Siinä on perää
synonymThere is some basis/truth in it.
Täyttä totta
contrastCompletely true.
Puhua sivu suunsa
relatedTo speak out of turn / let a secret slip.
