Meaning
To survive financially on one's salary.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'sisu' (stoic determination). Being able to 'tulla toimeen' even when things are hard is seen as a sign of character. The concept of 'toimeentulo' is legally defined in Finland. If you cannot 'tulla toimeen', the state is obligated to help you. Discussing exact salaries is often taboo, but using this idiom allows people to discuss their financial health without revealing numbers. In Helsinki, 'tulla toimeen' requires a much higher salary than in the countryside, a frequent topic of debate.
Use Adverbs
Add 'hyvin' (well) or 'juuri ja juuri' (barely) to sound more natural.
Case Matters
Always use the -lla ending for 'palkka' in this phrase.
Meaning
To survive financially on one's salary.
Use Adverbs
Add 'hyvin' (well) or 'juuri ja juuri' (barely) to sound more natural.
Case Matters
Always use the -lla ending for 'palkka' in this phrase.
The 'Kanssa' Rule
Remember: Palkalla = Money, Kanssa = People.
Politeness
This is the safest way to talk about money without being rude.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tulla'.
Minä ______ toimeen tällä palkalla.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be 'tulen'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I get by on a small salary'?
You need the adessive case (-lla) for both the adjective and the noun.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a job interview and want to say the salary is enough.
This is a polite and professional way to accept the salary level.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onko elämä kallista Suomessa? B: On, mutta ______.
The standard idiom uses the adessive case.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Financial Survival Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMinä ______ toimeen tällä palkalla.
The subject is 'Minä' (I), so the verb must be 'tulen'.
How do you say 'I get by on a small salary'?
You need the adessive case (-lla) for both the adjective and the noun.
You are at a job interview and want to say the salary is enough.
This is a polite and professional way to accept the salary level.
A: Onko elämä kallista Suomessa? B: On, mutta ______.
The standard idiom uses the adessive case.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can say 'tulla toimeen eläkkeellä' (get by on a pension).
It is always 'toimeen' (singular). 'Toimiin' would mean 'into actions' and is not used here.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You could say 'ei tule toimeen' or 'olla vaikeuksissa' (to be in trouble).
Yes, but 'palkalla' is more specific to work income.
Use 'Tulen juuri ja juuri toimeen'.
Almost. 'Pärjätä' is more common in spoken language, 'tulla toimeen' in written.
Yes: 'Tulin toimeen palkallani viime vuonna.'
It's a bit personal. Better to use it about yourself or general groups.
Not necessarily. It just means you have enough. You can 'tulla toimeen hyvin' (get by very well).
Related Phrases
pärjätä
synonymto cope or manage
selviytyä
similarto survive or pull through
elää herroiksi
contrastto live like a lord/wealthy
toimeentulotuki
builds onincome support/welfare
tulla toimeen jonkun kanssa
similarto get along with someone
