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A2 verb 12 min read

maalata

Examples maalata in 30 Seconds
Explanation maalata in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn 'maalata' as a basic action verb. You should focus on the present tense 'minä maalaan' (I paint) and 'sinä maalaat' (you paint). You will mostly use it to describe simple hobbies or household tasks. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar, just understand that it means using a brush and paint. You might say 'Minä maalaan kuvaa' (I am painting a picture). You should also recognize the word 'maali' (paint). Learners at this level often confuse it with 'piirtää' (to draw), so remember: paint uses liquid! It's also helpful to learn the basic colors in the translative case, like 'punaiseksi' (into red), though that's more of an A2 skill. Just focus on the basic 'who does what' sentences.
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At the A2 level, you start to use 'maalata' in the past tense ('maalasin') and the perfect tense ('olen maalannut'). You should be able to describe a weekend project, like painting a room. This is where the difference between the partitive object ('maalaan seinää' - I'm in the middle of painting) and the total object ('maalaan seinän' - I will finish painting) becomes important. You also learn the translative case for colors: 'Maalaan oven keltaiseksi' (I paint the door yellow). You might start using the passive form 'maalataan' in simple instructions. You should also be familiar with the noun 'maalari' (painter). This level is about practical, everyday communication regarding home and hobbies.
At the B1 level, you can use 'maalata' more flexibly in different moods, like the conditional ('maalaisin' - I would paint). You understand the metaphorical uses, such as 'maalata piruja seinälle' (to be pessimistic). You can discuss the process of painting in more detail, using words like 'pohjamaali' (primer) and 'kerros' (layer). You are comfortable with the passive voice and can understand instructions on a paint can or a DIY blog. Your vocabulary expands to include related verbs like 'sivellä' (to stroke) or 'värittää' (to color). You can also use 'maalata' in a professional or semi-professional context, such as describing a job you did or an art project you are working on.
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At the B2 level, you understand the nuances of 'maalata' in various registers. You can follow a complex art critique or a technical manual for industrial painting. You use the verb in idiomatic expressions naturally. You understand how the verb functions in sports jargon ('maalata' as scoring a goal) and in digital contexts (highlighting text). Your grasp of the object cases (partitive vs. accusative) is solid, and you can use them to convey subtle meanings about the duration and result of the action. You might also use more specific verbs like 'ruiskumaalata' (to spray paint) or 'entisöidä' (to restore) alongside 'maalata' to show a higher level of precision in your language.
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At the C1 level, 'maalata' is a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to create vivid imagery in writing, 'painting' a scene with words. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in Finnish art history (e.g., discussing the Golden Age of Finnish Art). You can navigate legal or technical disputes regarding painting work (e.g., in a housing company context). You are aware of rare or archaic uses and can play with the word's double meaning (paint vs. goal) in puns or creative writing. Your use of the verb is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the correct use of infinitives and participles in complex sentence structures like 'ollessani maalaamassa' (while I was painting).
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'maalata' and all its derivatives. You can appreciate and use the verb in high-level literature, poetry, and academic discourse. You understand the etymological roots and how the word has evolved. You can switch between dialects or registers where the word might be conjugated differently (e.g., colloquial 'me maalataan' vs. formal 'me maalaamme'). You can explain the subtle differences between 'maalata', 'sutaista', 'sivellä', and 'pintakäsitellä' to others. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a flexible element of your expressive repertoire, allowing you to discuss everything from the chemical properties of pigments to the philosophical implications of artistic representation.
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Examples

maalata in 30 Seconds

  • Maalata is the Finnish verb for 'to paint', used for both houses and artistic works.
  • It is a Type 4 verb, meaning its stem is 'maalaa-' and it conjugates as 'maalaan', 'maalaat', etc.
  • The word is used metaphorically to 'paint a picture' of a situation or idiomatic pessimism.
  • In sports, it can mean scoring a goal, and in computing, it means highlighting text.

The Finnish verb maalata primarily translates to the English verb 'to paint.' However, its application in Finnish is broad, covering everything from industrial house painting to the delicate strokes of a fine artist. At its core, it describes the action of applying pigment, paint, or a similar coating to a surface. In the Finnish mindset, maalata is often associated with renewal and maintenance, especially given the traditional wooden architecture of Finland which requires regular repainting to survive the harsh Nordic climate.

Artistic Context
When used in the world of art, maalata refers to the creation of a painting (maalaus). Whether it is oil on canvas (öljyvärimaalaus) or watercolor (vesivärimaalaus), the verb remains the same. For example, 'Hän maalaa muotokuvaa' (He is painting a portrait).

Meidän täytyy maalata tämä vanha puutalo ensi kesänä, jotta lauta ei mätäne.

Translation: We must paint this old wooden house next summer so the wood doesn't rot.

Beyond physical surfaces, the word is used metaphorically. Just as in English, one can 'paint a picture' of a situation using words. In Finnish, if someone is being overly pessimistic, you might hear the idiom maalata piruja seinälle (to paint devils on the wall), meaning to imagine worst-case scenarios. Conversely, one can maalata ruusuinen kuva (paint a rosy picture) of the future. This versatility makes it a vital verb for both literal descriptions and abstract storytelling.

Construction & DIY
In the context of home renovation (remontointi), maalata is a frequent term. It covers interior walls (sisäseinät), ceilings (katot), and floors (lattiat). Finnish hardware stores (rautakaupat) are filled with 'maali' (paint) products, and 'maalaaminen' (the act of painting) is a common summer activity for many Finns at their summer cottages (mökki).

Hän halusi maalata taulun, joka kuvastaa Suomen luontoa ja hiljaisuutta.

Translation: She wanted to paint a picture that depicts Finnish nature and silence.

In professional settings, a 'maalari' (painter) is a tradesperson who specializes in this craft. The verb is also used in sports, specifically ice hockey and football, in the context of 'maalata' meaning to score a goal (tehdä maali), though this is more colloquial or journalistic. For instance, 'Laine maalasi ylivoimalla' (Laine scored/painted on the power play). This usage stems from the word 'maali' meaning both 'paint' and 'goal/target'.

Digital Context
In modern computing, maalata is often used to describe highlighting text with a mouse cursor. 'Maalaa teksti ja kopioi se' (Highlight the text and copy it). This is a very common instruction in IT tutorials.

Voitko maalata tämän kohdan tekstistä, jotta näen sen paremmin?

Translation: Can you highlight this part of the text so I can see it better?

Finally, the verb is used in the phrase maalata kaupunki punaiseksi, a direct translation of the English idiom 'to paint the town red,' meaning to go out and celebrate wildly. While understood, it feels a bit like a loan translation, but it shows how the word bridges the gap between literal labor and figurative expression in the Finnish language.

Using maalata correctly requires an understanding of Finnish verb conjugation and the use of cases for objects. As a Type 4 verb (ending in -ata), it follows a specific pattern where the 't' disappears in the personal forms, and a double 'a' appears: maalaan, maalaat, maalaa. This verb is transitive, meaning it usually takes an object.

The Aspect: Partitive vs. Accusative
The choice of case for the object changes the meaning significantly. 'Maalaan seinää' (Partitive) implies the action is ongoing: 'I am painting the wall.' 'Maalaan seinän' (Accusative/Genitive-looking) implies the action will be completed: 'I will paint the wall (completely).' This distinction is crucial for expressing intention and progress.

Lapsi maalaa parhaillaan hienoa kuvaa päiväkodissa.

Translation: The child is currently painting a fine picture at daycare.

When you want to specify the color, the color word is put into the translative case (-ksi). For example: 'Hän maalasi oven vihreäksi' (He painted the door green). If you are describing the tool used, you use the adessive case (-lla/-llä): 'Maalaan pensselillä' (I paint with a brush).

Past Tense Usage
In the past tense, the stem maalaa- changes to maalasi-. 'Minä maalasin' (I painted). This is a very common verb in historical descriptions or when explaining house renovations. 'Viime kesänä me maalasimme koko talon ulkopuolelta' (Last summer we painted the whole house from the outside).

Taiteilija maalasi tämän teoksen 1800-luvun lopulla.

Translation: The artist painted this work in the late 19th century.

The passive form maalataan is also very common, especially in instructions or general statements. 'Tämä pinta maalataan kahteen kertaan' (This surface is painted twice). In spoken Finnish, the passive is often used for the 'we' form: 'Me maalataan se huomenna' (We'll paint it tomorrow).

Compound Verbs and Derivatives
You can add prefixes or use related verbs to be more specific. Pohjamaalata means to prime (paint a base coat). Uudelleenmaalata means to repaint. The noun form maalaaminen is the gerund 'painting' (the activity).

On tärkeää maalata pohjamaali ennen varsinaista väriä.

Translation: It is important to paint the primer before the actual color.

Finally, consider the use of the verb with the word 'mieli' (mind). 'Hän maalasi mielessään kuvan tulevaisuudesta' (He painted a picture of the future in his mind). This demonstrates the transition from a physical act to a mental process of visualization.

You will encounter the word maalata in several distinct environments in Finland. The most practical place is the 'Rautakauppa' (hardware store) such as K-Rauta or Bauhaus. Here, staff and customers constantly discuss painting projects. You might hear: 'Millaista pintaa olette maalaamassa?' (What kind of surface are you painting?).

Art Galleries and Museums
In places like Ateneum or Kiasma, the verb is used in descriptions of works. Audio guides and placards will describe how an artist maalasi a certain masterpiece. 'Gallen-Kallela maalasi useita versioita tästä aiheesta' (Gallen-Kallela painted several versions of this theme).

Tämä huone pitäisi maalata uudelleen, koska vanha maali halkeilee.

Translation: This room should be repainted because the old paint is cracking.

On television, specifically in home renovation shows like 'Huvila & Huussi' or 'Remppa vai muutto', the verb maalata is spoken in almost every episode. Designers debate whether to paint a wall with a matte or glossy finish, or whether to paint the fireplace (takka) to modernize the look. It is a central part of the Finnish aesthetic of 'skandinaavinen sisustus' (Scandinavian interior design).

Sports Broadcasting
Listen to a Finnish ice hockey match (liiga) on the radio or TV. When a player scores, the commentator might shout: 'Hän maalaa!' It sounds poetic, as if the player just created a masterpiece on the ice by hitting the back of the net.

Hän maalasi ratkaisevan osuman ottelun viimeisellä minuutilla.

Translation: He scored (painted) the decisive goal in the last minute of the match.

In schools and hobby groups (kansalaisopisto), instructors use the word to guide students. 'Älkää maalatko liian paksuja kerroksia' (Don't paint too thick layers). It is a word that spans from the messy hands of a toddler to the technical precision of a car painter (automaalari).

Daily Life and Idioms
In casual conversation, you might hear the idiom 'maalata piruja seinälle' when someone is worrying too much. 'Älä nyt maalaa piruja seinälle, kaikki menee hyvin' (Don't paint devils on the wall, everything will go well). It's a uniquely Finnish way of saying 'don't be so pessimistic.'

Miksi sinun pitää aina maalata piruja seinälle?

Translation: Why do you always have to paint devils on the wall (be so pessimistic)?

For English speakers learning Finnish, the verb maalata presents a few characteristic hurdles. The first is the confusion between maalata (to paint) and piirtää (to draw). While English sometimes blurs these (e.g., 'drawing with a brush' in some contexts), Finnish is strict: if you use a liquid medium like paint, it's maalata. If you use a dry medium like a pencil, pen, or charcoal, it's piirtää.

The Conjugation Trap
Many learners treat maalata as a Type 1 verb because of its ending. They might say 'minä maalaan' (which is correct) but then get confused with the past tense. Because it is Type 4, the past tense is maalasin, not 'maaloin' or 'maalaasin'. The 't' in the infinitive disappears, and the stem ends in '-aa', which then changes to '-asi' in the past.

VÄÄRIN: Minä maalaasin seinän eilen. OIKEIN: Minä maalasin seinän eilen.

Note: The past tense of Type 4 verbs uses the -si marker.

Another frequent error involves the case of the color. English says 'paint it green,' but Finnish requires the translative case: 'maalaa se vihreäksi'. Using the nominative 'vihreä' is a common mistake that sounds very 'foreign' to a native speaker. The translative indicates a change in state—the object was one color and is now 'becoming' another.

Confusion with 'Värittää'
Learners often use värittää (to color) when they mean maalata. Värittää is typically used for coloring in a coloring book or adding color to a drawing. If you are painting a wall or a canvas from scratch, maalata is the only correct choice.

Hän maalasi koko huoneen, ei vain värittänyt sitä.

Translation: He painted the whole room, didn't just color it.

Finally, watch out for the 'goal' meaning. While 'maali' means both paint and goal, you don't 'maalata' a goal in the sense of building one. You 'tehdä maalin' (make a goal) or 'maalata' (score). If you say 'maalaan maalin', people might think you are literally putting paint on the goalposts!

While maalata is the general term for painting, Finnish has several more specific or colorful alternatives depending on the context and the quality of the work being done. Understanding these nuances can help you sound more like a native speaker.

Sutaista vs. Maalata
Sutaista implies doing something quickly and perhaps a bit sloppily. 'Sutaisin vähän maalia pintaan' (I just slapped some paint on the surface). It's the opposite of the careful, methodical work implied by a professional maalata.

En ehtinyt maalata huolella, joten sutaisin vain kerroksen maalia.

Translation: I didn't have time to paint carefully, so I just slapped on a layer of paint.

Another alternative is sivellä. This verb literally means 'to stroke' or 'to brush gently.' It is often used in artistic contexts to describe the way paint is applied to a canvas with a brush. 'Hän siveli maalia kankaalle' (She stroked/applied paint onto the canvas). It sounds more delicate and intentional than the standard maalata.

Värittää and Taiteilla
Värittää means to color in. Taiteilla means 'to do art' or to work on something with artistic flair. If you say someone is 'taiteilemassa', it implies they are being creative and perhaps taking their time with the details of the painting.

Lapsi taiteilee vesiväreillä keittiön pöydän ääressä.

Translation: The child is 'art-ing' (painting creatively) with watercolors at the kitchen table.

In a metaphorical sense, kuvailla (to describe) is an alternative to maalata when you are 'painting a picture' with words. 'Hän kuvaili tilannetta tarkasti' (He described the situation accurately) is more formal than 'Hän maalasi tilanteesta tarkan kuvan'.

Comparison of Verbs
  • Maalata: Standard 'to paint'.
  • Piirtää: To draw (pencil/pen).
  • Värittää: To color (filling in).
  • Sutaista: To paint quickly/messily.
  • Sivellä: To apply with gentle brushstrokes.
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Examples by Level

1

Minä maalaan tänään.

I am painting today.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

2

Hän maalaa pientä taloa.

He/she is painting a small house.

Partitive object indicates ongoing action.

3

Me maalaamme yhdessä.

We are painting together.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

4

Maalaatko sinä kuvaa?

Are you painting a picture?

Question form with -ko suffix.

5

Lapset maalaavat koulussa.

The children are painting at school.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

6

Tämä on kiva maalata.

This is nice to paint.

Infinitive form.

7

En maalaa seinää.

I am not painting the wall.

Negative present tense.

8

Maalaa tämä punaiseksi.

Paint this red.

Imperative form + translative case for color.

1

Maalasin makuuhuoneen viikonloppuna.

I painted the bedroom over the weekend.

Past tense, 1st person singular.

2

Oletko jo maalannut aidan?

Have you already painted the fence?

Perfect tense question.

3

Hän maalasi oven valkoiseksi.

He/she painted the door white.

Translative case for the result of the action.

4

Meidän täytyy maalata tämä uudestaan.

We have to paint this again.

Necessive structure (täytyy + infinitive).

5

Maalari maalasi talon keltaiseksi.

The painter painted the house yellow.

Subject-Verb-Object-Color structure.

6

En halunnut maalata tänään.

I didn't want to paint today.

Negative past tense + infinitive.

7

Voitko maalata tämän kohdan?

Can you paint this spot?

Polite request with 'voida'.

8

Seinää maalattiin koko päivä.

The wall was being painted all day.

Passive past tense.

1

Jos minulla olisi aikaa, maalaisin koko talon.

If I had time, I would paint the whole house.

Conditional mood.

2

Talo pitäisi maalata ennen talvea.

The house should be painted before winter.

Passive infinitive with 'pitäisi'.

3

Älä maalaa piruja seinälle, kaikki menee hyvin.

Don't paint devils on the wall, everything will go well.

Idiomatic expression (don't be pessimistic).

4

Hän on taitava maalaamaan muotokuvia.

He is skilled at painting portraits.

3rd infinitive in illative case (maalaamaan).

5

Oletko koskaan maalannut öljyväreillä?

Have you ever painted with oil colors?

Perfect tense with adessive case for the medium.

6

Maalaaminen on rentouttavaa puuhaa.

Painting is a relaxing activity.

Noun derived from the verb (gerund).

7

Sutaisin vain vähän maalia tuohon naarmuun.

I just slapped a bit of paint on that scratch.

Using a synonym 'sutaista' for quick action.

8

Tämä huone maalataan ensi viikolla.

This room will be painted next week.

Passive present tense used for future intention.

1

Hän maalasi tilanteesta hyvin synkän kuvan.

He painted a very dark picture of the situation.

Figurative use of the verb.

2

Pinta pitää pohjamaalata ennen pintamaalia.

The surface must be primed before the topcoat.

Compound verb 'pohjamaalata'.

3

Maalattuani seinän huomasin, että väri oli väärä.

After painting the wall, I noticed the color was wrong.

Temporal participle construction (maalattuani).

4

Hän maalasi ratkaisevan maalin ottelun lopussa.

He scored the decisive goal at the end of the match.

Sports jargon (maalata = score).

5

Teksti pitää maalata ennen kuin sen voi kopioida.

The text must be highlighted before it can be copied.

IT jargon (maalata = highlight).

6

Olimme maalaamassa mökkiä, kun alkoi sataa.

We were painting the cottage when it started to rain.

Progressive structure (olla + 3rd infinitive in inessive).

7

Maalari siveli maalia kankaalle ohuin kerroksin.

The painter stroked the paint onto the canvas in thin layers.

Using 'sivellä' for artistic nuance.

8

Tämä teos on maalattu 1700-luvulla.

This work was painted in the 1700s.

Passive perfect tense (past participle).

1

Kirjailija maalaa sanoin eteemme elävän kuvan menneisyydestä.

The author paints a vivid picture of the past before us with words.

Literary figurative use.

2

Onko pinta jo hiottu ja valmis maalattavaksi?

Is the surface already sanded and ready to be painted?

Passive present participle in translative case.

3

Hän ei halunnut maalata tulevaisuutta liian ruusuiseksi.

He didn't want to paint the future as too rosy.

Idiomatic use of 'ruusuinen' (rosy).

4

Maalattuaan koko päivän hän oli aivan uupunut.

Having painted all day, he was completely exhausted.

Past participle construction (maalattuaan).

5

Taiteilija on tunnettu tavastaan maalata valoa.

The artist is known for his way of painting light.

Abstract object (valoa - light).

6

Seinä tuli maalattua hieman epätasaisesti.

The wall ended up being painted a bit unevenly.

Passive past participle with 'tulla' expressing result.

7

Älä maalaa itseäsi nurkkaan tässä neuvottelussa.

Don't paint yourself into a corner in this negotiation.

Idiom (paint oneself into a corner).

8

Hän maalasi asunnon lattiasta kattoon asti.

He painted the apartment from floor to ceiling.

Idiomatic expression of completeness.

1

Teos on maalattu mestarillisella otteella, joka korostaa varjojen leikkiä.

The work is painted with a masterful touch that emphasizes the play of shadows.

Academic/Artistic register.

2

Maalattakoon tämä rakennus perinteitä kunnioittaen.

Let this building be painted with respect for tradition.

Passive imperative/jussive mood.

3

Hän maalasi maiseman, joka tuntui hengittävän.

He painted a landscape that seemed to breathe.

Poetic/Literary use.

4

Onko mahdollista, että teos onkin maalattu myöhemmin kuin on luultu?

Is it possible that the work was actually painted later than thought?

Complex passive structure.

5

Hän maalasi itsensä historiankirjoihin tällä saavutuksella.

He painted (etched) himself into the history books with this achievement.

Figurative idiom.

6

Maalattuaan useita kerroksia hän saavutti halutun syvyyden.

After painting several layers, he achieved the desired depth.

Participle construction.

7

Hän on maalannut sielunsa tähän kankaaseen.

He has painted his soul onto this canvas.

Metaphorical/Emotional register.

8

Maalaatpa sitten taloa tai taulua, valmistelu on kaiken a ja o.

Whether you are painting a house or a picture, preparation is the alpha and omega.

Concessive structure (Maalaatpa...).

Common Collocations

maalata seinä
maalata taulu
maalata talo
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