aikaa vievä
aikaa vievä en 30 segundos
- Aikaa vievä means time-consuming in Finnish.
- It is a compound of 'aikaa' (time) and 'vievä' (taking).
- It is used as an adjective to describe long tasks.
- In predicate sentences, it usually becomes 'aikaa vievää'.
The Finnish adjective aikaa vievä is a compound-like expression that literally translates to 'time-taking' or 'time-carrying.' In the context of English, it is the direct equivalent of time-consuming. It is a B1-level word because while the individual components (aika and viedä) are learned early on, the specific grammatical construction and its adjectival usage require a deeper understanding of how Finnish forms complex descriptions using participles.
- Literal Meaning
- The word consists of 'aikaa' (the partitive form of 'aika', meaning time) and 'vievä' (the present active participle of 'viedä', meaning to take, lead, or carry). Together, they describe an activity that 'eats up' or 'leads away' your time.
- Usage Context
- It is used in both formal and informal contexts. You might hear it in a corporate meeting describing a complex project, or at home when talking about a recipe that takes hours to prepare. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation, often implying that the effort required might be a burden.
"Tämä uusi projekti on todella aikaa vievä, mutta se on tehtävä huolellisesti."
In Finnish culture, there is a strong emphasis on efficiency and 'sisu' (persistence). Calling something aikaa vievä doesn't necessarily mean it's bad; it often indicates that the task requires significant dedication and patience. For example, traditional Finnish crafts like weaving or building a log cabin are inherently aikaa vievää työtä (time-consuming work), and they are highly respected for that very reason.
You will frequently encounter this word in bureaucratic contexts. Filling out applications, dealing with tax forms, or applying for permits in Finland is often described as aikaa vievä prosessi. In these cases, the word highlights the complexity and the number of steps involved rather than just the speed of the process itself.
"Tutkimus on aikaa vievää, mutta tulokset ovat palkitsevia."
To use it effectively, remember that it functions just like any other adjective. It can modify a noun directly (aikaa vievä tehtävä) or describe a subject (tehtävä on aikaa vievä). Interestingly, while modern Finnish often combines such phrases into single words (e.g., aikaavievä), keeping them separate is generally preferred in standard grammar, though both are understood. The separation emphasizes the 'aikaa' (time) being 'viedä' (taken).
- Register and Nuance
- In very formal settings, you might hear synonyms like 'työläs' (laborious). In very informal speech, someone might just say 'se kestää ikuisuuden' (it takes an eternity). 'Aikaa vievä' sits perfectly in the middle—professional, clear, and descriptive.
Using aikaa vievä correctly requires attention to case agreement and word order. Since it is essentially a phrase acting as an adjective, it follows the standard rules of Finnish adjective inflection, though the first part 'aikaa' remains in the partitive case regardless of the second part's inflection.
- Attributive Use
- When the word comes before a noun to describe it, it must agree with that noun in case and number. For example: 'aikaa vievässä prosessissa' (in a time-consuming process). Notice how 'aikaa' stays the same, but 'vievä' changes to 'vievässä'.
"Meillä on edessämme aikaa vievä matka pohjoiseen."
In Finnish, sentences often use the verb 'olla' (to be) to describe a state. When you say 'Something is time-consuming,' you are using the predicative form. In these instances, 'aikaa vievä' usually becomes 'aikaa vievää' (partitive form). This is standard for abstract qualities.
"Tämä harrastus on todella aikaa vievää."
You can also use adverbs to modify the intensity. Common modifiers include 'erittäin' (extremely), 'melko' (quite), or 'turhauttavan' (frustratingly). These adverbs precede the entire phrase.
- Comparative and Superlative
- To say 'more time-consuming,' you use 'aikaa vievämpi'. For 'most time-consuming,' use 'aikaa vievin'. Example: 'Tämä on kaikista aikaa vievin vaihe.' (This is the most time-consuming phase of all.)
"Raportin kirjoittaminen oli aikaa vievämpää kuin luulin."
Another nuance involves the difference between 'aikaa vievä' and 'ajankohtainen' (topical/current). While they sound vaguely similar to beginners because of the 'aika' root, they are completely different. Make sure you are describing the duration or effort, not the timing.
"Puutarhan hoito on aikaa vievää mutta rentouttavaa."
Finally, consider the plural forms. If you are describing multiple tasks, 'vievä' becomes 'vieviä'. Example: 'Nämä ovat aikaa vieviä tehtäviä.' (These are time-consuming tasks.) The 'aikaa' part remains singular partitive because the concept of 'time' being taken is treated as a singular mass.
In Finland, efficiency is a cultural cornerstone. Therefore, the word aikaa vievä is ubiquitous in professional settings. If you work in a Finnish office, you will hear it during project planning meetings, resource allocation discussions, and when explaining delays. It is a polite way to say 'this is taking longer than expected' without necessarily blaming anyone.
- In the News
- Finnish news outlets like Yle or Helsingin Sanomat often use this term when discussing legislation, court cases, or infrastructure projects. A typical headline might read: 'Uuden radan rakentaminen on aikaa vievä prosessi' (Building the new track is a time-consuming process).
"Lupien käsittely virastossa on valitettavan aikaa vievää."
In educational settings, teachers use this word to warn students about the scope of assignments. If a Finnish professor says a thesis is 'aikaa vievä,' they are subtly telling you to start early and manage your schedule well. It is a marker of the 'work' involved rather than the 'difficulty' of the material.
You'll also hear it in the kitchen. Traditional Finnish foods, like 'karjalanpiirakat' (Karelian pasties) or 'hapanleipä' (sourdough rye bread), are famously aikaa vieviä to make from scratch. When a Finn says this about food, it's often a compliment to the cook's dedication and the authenticity of the dish.
"Piirakoiden rypyttäminen on aikaa vievää puuhaa."
In the digital age, Finnish tech blogs and forums use the term when discussing software development, debugging, or data analysis. If a script is 'aikaa vievä,' it means it has a high computational cost or requires many manual steps. Here, it often contrasts with 'automaatio' (automation).
- Daily Conversations
- In everyday life, you might use it to describe commuting, cleaning the house, or even a long conversation. 'Siivoaminen on niin aikaa vievää' (Cleaning is so time-consuming) is a common complaint among friends.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using the nominative 'aika' instead of the partitive 'aikaa'. Remember that the phrase is 'aikaa vievä' (taking some time). Saying 'aika vievä' sounds incomplete and grammatically incorrect to a native ear.
- The Partitive Trap
- Mistake: 'Tämä on aika vievä.' Correct: 'Tämä on aikaa vievää.' Because 'time' is an uncountable concept in this context, and the quality is abstract, the partitive is mandatory for the predicative adjective.
"Älä sano: 'Se on aika vievä.' Sano: 'Se on aikaa vievää.'"
Another mistake is confusing 'aikaa vievä' with 'pitkä' (long). While a 'pitkä matka' (long journey) is usually 'aikaa vievä', you cannot use 'pitkä' to describe a task that requires many steps but doesn't cover distance or a specific timeline. 'Aikaa vievä' focuses on the consumption of the resource (time), while 'pitkä' focuses on the extent.
Inflection errors are also common. When 'aikaa vievä' modifies a noun in a specific case, only the 'vievä' part inflects. 'Aikaa' is frozen in the partitive. For example, 'aikaa vievän prosessin aikana' (during a time-consuming process). Learners often mistakenly try to inflect 'aikaa' as well, which is incorrect.
- Number Agreement
- If the noun is plural, 'vievä' must be plural: 'aikaa vievät menetelmät' (time-consuming methods). Again, 'aikaa' remains singular partitive. This 'split inflection' is a common hurdle for B1 learners.
Finally, don't overuse the word. In English, 'time-consuming' is very common. In Finnish, if something is simply slow, use 'hidas'. If it's difficult and takes time, use 'työläs'. 'Aikaa vievä' is specifically about the duration required by the nature of the task. Using it for everything can make your Finnish sound a bit repetitive and translated.
"Vältä sanomasta 'hidas' kun tarkoitat, että tehtävä vaatii paljon vaiheita. Käytä silloin sanaa aikaa vievä."
Finnish has a rich vocabulary for describing the passage of time and the effort required for tasks. While aikaa vievä is the most direct translation of 'time-consuming,' several other words offer nuanced alternatives depending on the context.
- Työläs
- This means 'laborious' or 'arduous.' It implies that the task is not just time-consuming, but also physically or mentally demanding. 'Aikaa vievä' is about the clock; 'työläs' is about the sweat.
- Vaivalloinen
- Meaning 'cumbersome' or 'troublesome.' This word suggests that the task is annoying or difficult to perform due to complications, which often makes it take more time.
- Pitkäkestoinen
- Literally 'long-lasting' or 'long-duration.' This is a more technical term, often used in scientific or medical contexts to describe a process that spans a long period of time.
When comparing these, consider the focus of your sentence. If you want to complain about the bureaucracy of moving to a new country, vaivalloinen or aikaa vievä are both good. If you are describing the process of painting a detailed mural, työläs might be more appropriate.
"Vaikka projekti oli työläs, se ei ollut kovin aikaa vievä."
For more informal speech, you might use the phrase 'viedä tuhottomasti aikaa' (to take an immense/unreasonable amount of time). This adds a layer of exaggeration and emotion that 'aikaa vievä' lacks. Another informal option is 'hidas', but as mentioned before, it's less precise.
In academic writing, you might encounter 'resursseja kuluttava' (resource-consuming), where time is considered one of the resources. This is a very formal way to describe something that is aikaa vievä but also uses money, manpower, and materials.
- Summary Table
- Aikaa vievä: Neutral, focus on duration.
- Työläs: Focus on effort/hard work.
- Vaivalloinen: Focus on difficulty/annoyance.
- Hidas: General speed.
Ejemplos por nivel
Tämä on aikaa vievä peli.
This is a time-consuming game.
A1: Basic 'subject + is + adjective' structure.
Onko se aikaa vievää?
Is it time-consuming?
A1: Question form with the partitive 'vievää'.
Kotityöt ovat aikaa vieviä.
Housework is time-consuming.
A1: Plural form 'vievät' becomes 'vieviä' in predicate.
Tämä ei ole aikaa vievää.
This is not time-consuming.
A1: Negative sentence with partitive.
Aikaa vievä harrastus on kiva.
A time-consuming hobby is nice.
A1: Adjective before the noun.
Se on hyvin aikaa vievää.
It is very time-consuming.
A1: Using 'hyvin' (very) as a modifier.
Luku on aikaa vievä.
The chapter is time-consuming.
A1: Simple descriptive sentence.
Onko tämä aikaa vievää työtä?
Is this time-consuming work?
A1: Adjective modifying the noun 'työtä' (partitive).
Ruoanlaitto voi olla aikaa vievää.
Cooking can be time-consuming.
A2: Using the modal verb 'voi' (can).
Minulla on aikaa vievä projekti koulussa.
I have a time-consuming project at school.
A2: 'Minulla on' (I have) construction.
Matka on usein aikaa vievä.
The journey is often time-consuming.
A2: Using the adverb 'usein' (often).
Tämä tehtävä on aikaa vievämpi kuin tuo.
This task is more time-consuming than that one.
A2: Basic comparative 'vievämpi'.
En pidä aikaa vievistä asioista.
I don't like time-consuming things.
A2: Elative case 'vievistä' after 'pitää'.
Kirjan lukeminen on aikaa vievää puuhaa.
Reading a book is a time-consuming activity.
A2: 'Puuha' is a common word for activity/hobby.
Onko suomen kieli aikaa vievää?
Is the Finnish language time-consuming?
A2: Describing a language/subject.
Tämä on melko aikaa vievä vaihe.
This is a quite time-consuming stage.
A2: Using 'melko' (quite) as a modifier.
Uuden kielen oppiminen on erittäin aikaa vievää.
Learning a new language is extremely time-consuming.
B1: Using 'erittäin' and verbal noun 'oppiminen'.
Vältämme aikaa vieviä prosesseja töissä.
We avoid time-consuming processes at work.
B1: Partitive plural 'aikaa vieviä' as object.
Tämä on kaikista aikaa vievin osa projektia.
This is the most time-consuming part of the project.
B1: Superlative 'aikaa vievin'.
Aikaa vievästä valmistelusta huolimatta epäonnistuimme.
Despite the time-consuming preparation, we failed.
B1: Elative case 'vievästä' with 'huolimatta'.
Hän selitti, miksi työ on niin aikaa vievää.
He explained why the work is so time-consuming.
B1: Indirect question structure.
Etsimme vähemmän aikaa vievää ratkaisua.
We are looking for a less time-consuming solution.
B1: Comparative 'vievää' in a noun phrase.
Byrokratia on usein turhauttavan aikaa vievää.
Bureaucracy is often frustratingly time-consuming.
B1: Using the adverb 'turhauttavan' (frustratingly).
Oletko valmis aikaa vievään urakkaan?
Are you ready for a time-consuming task/feat?
B1: Illative case 'vievään' with 'valmis'.
Tutkimusprosessi on luonteeltaan aikaa vievää.
The research process is time-consuming by nature.
B2: Use of 'luonteeltaan' (by nature).
Aikaa vievästä analyysistä saatiin tärkeitä tuloksia.
Important results were obtained from the time-consuming analysis.
B2: Passive voice 'saatiin' and elative adjective.
Hän pitää aikaa vievää työtään erittäin palkitsevana.
He finds his time-consuming work very rewarding.
B2: Object 'työtään' with possessive suffix.
Projekti osoittautui odotettua aikaa vievämmäksi.
The project turned out to be more time-consuming than expected.
B2: Translative comparative 'vievämmäksi'.
Emme voi sivuuttaa näitä aikaa vieviä vaiheita.
We cannot ignore these time-consuming stages.
B2: Plural partitive object 'vieviä vaiheita'.
Aikaa vievimmät tehtävät tulisi hoitaa ensin.
The most time-consuming tasks should be handled first.
B2: Superlative plural nominative 'vievimmät'.
Tämä on välttämätön, joskin aikaa vievä toimenpide.
This is a necessary, albeit time-consuming, measure.
B2: Use of 'joskin' (albeit/although).
Säästämme aikaa ulkoistamalla aikaa vievät rutiinit.
We save time by outsourcing time-consuming routines.
B2: Using the instructive 'ulkoistamalla' (by outsourcing).
Aikaa vievä lainsäädäntöprosessi hidastaa uudistuksia.
The time-consuming legislative process slows down reforms.
C1: Complex subject with attributive adjective.
Kyseessä on äärimmäisen aikaa vievä ja monimutkainen hanke.
It is an extremely time-consuming and complex project.
C1: Fixed expression 'kyseessä on' (it is a question of).
Aikaa vievän valmistelun myötä riskit on minimoitu.
With the time-consuming preparation, risks have been minimized.
C1: Genitive adjective with postposition 'myötä'.
Onko tämä todella se aikaa vievin tapa toimia?
Is this really the most time-consuming way to act?
C1: Rhetorical question with superlative.
Aikaa vievistä neuvotteluista huolimatta sopuun ei päästy.
Despite time-consuming negotiations, no agreement was reached.
C1: Passive negative 'ei päästy' and elative plural.
Tehtävä on kieltämättä aikaa vievää, mutta välttämätöntä.
The task is undeniably time-consuming, but necessary.
C1: Use of 'kieltämättä' (undeniably).
Aikaa vievän työvaiheen automatisointi toi säästöjä.
Automating the time-consuming work phase brought savings.
C1: Genitive modifying the verbal noun 'automatisointi'.
Tämä on historiallisen aikaa vievä hanke.
This is a historically time-consuming project.
C1: Using 'historiallisen' (historically) as an intensifier.
Aikaa vievä ja perusteellinen analyysi on tieteen kulmakivi.
Time-consuming and thorough analysis is the cornerstone of science.
C2: Abstract academic subject.
Hän uppoutui aikaa vievään mutta intohimoiseen tutkimukseensa.
He immersed himself in his time-consuming but passionate research.
C2: Illative case with possessive suffix 'tutkimukseensa'.
Aikaa vievän prosessin kääntöpuolena on sen tarkkuus.
The flip side of the time-consuming process is its precision.
C2: Idiomatic 'kääntöpuolena' (as the flip side).
Aikaa vievimmänkin työn voi tehdä ilolla.
Even the most time-consuming work can be done with joy.
C2: Superlative with clitic '-kin' (even).
Tämä on kenties aikaa vievin haaste, jonka olemme kohdanneet.
This is perhaps the most time-consuming challenge we have faced.
C2: Use of 'kenties' (perhaps) and relative clause.
Aikaa vievää byrokratiaa on usein kritisoitu julkisuudessa.
Time-consuming bureaucracy has often been criticized in public.
C2: Partitive subject in a passive sentence.
Raportti oli uuvuttavan ja tarpeettoman aikaa vievä.
The report was exhaustingly and unnecessarily time-consuming.
C2: Double adverbial modifiers.
Aikaa vievän työn tulokset näkyvät vasta vuosien päästä.
The results of time-consuming work are visible only after years.
C2: Genitive adjective modifying the subject.
Sinónimos
Antónimos
Summary
The word 'aikaa vievä' is the standard way to say 'time-consuming' in Finnish. It is essential for B1 learners to understand its participle structure and how it inflects. Example: 'Tämä on aikaa vievä projekti' (This is a time-consuming project).
- Aikaa vievä means time-consuming in Finnish.
- It is a compound of 'aikaa' (time) and 'vievä' (taking).
- It is used as an adjective to describe long tasks.
- In predicate sentences, it usually becomes 'aikaa vievää'.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de general
aiemmin
B1Antes: No lo sabía antes.
aiheinen
B2themed or related to a topic
aiheuttaa
B1to cause
aiheutua
B2Derivarse de, ser causado por. 'El problema se debe a un error.'
aikaisin
A2early
aikoa
A2Aikoa significa tener la intención de hacer algo en el futuro. Se usa cuando tienes una intención específica.
aivan
A2exactly or quite
ajankohtainen
B1Este tema es muy actual en este momento.
ajatella
A1to think
aktiivinen
B1Active or energetic