When you're just starting out with Finnish, learning basic family vocabulary is super useful. Veli means 'brother'. It's an A1 level word, which means it's one of the first words you'll want to learn.
Finnish nouns, like veli, change their endings depending on their role in a sentence. This is called 'case'. But for now, just focus on recognizing veli as 'brother'.
In Finnish, the word for brother is veli. This is a common noun you'll hear in everyday conversations.
When you talk about a brother, you'll use this word. For example, 'Minulla on veli' means 'I have a brother'.
You might also hear it in phrases like 'isoveli' for older brother or 'pikkuveli' for younger brother. It's a straightforward word to remember and use.
Veli is the most common and neutral term for 'brother' in Finnish. It can refer to a biological brother, a step-brother, or even a close male friend in an informal context, similar to how 'bro' might be used in English. The word declines like other nouns in Finnish, so you will see forms like veljen (genitive), veljeä (partitive), or veljelle (allative). Understanding its basic usage is fundamental for discussing family and relationships.
Let's learn how to use the Finnish word veli (brother) in sentences. Finnish grammar is different from English, so we'll look at the most common ways to use this word. We'll cover basic forms and how it changes when you talk about possession or different cases.
§ Basic use: 'veli' as the subject
When veli is the one doing the action, it stays in its basic form. This is called the nominative case.
- Definition
- brother
Minun veli nukkuu.
My brother is sleeping. (Here, 'veli' is the one sleeping.)
Veli leikkii pihalla.
The brother is playing outside.
§ Showing possession: 'veljen' (brother's)
To say 'brother's' or 'of a brother', you use the genitive case, which for veli becomes veljen. This is very common in Finnish.
- Genitive
- veljen
Tuo on veljen auto.
That is brother's car. (Literally: That is of the brother car.)
Minä luin veljen kirjan.
I read brother's book.
§ Talking about your brother: 'veljeni' (my brother)
Finnish uses possessive suffixes. Instead of a separate word like 'my', you attach a small ending to the noun.
- Possessive Suffix (my)
- -ni
Veljeni on opiskelija.
My brother is a student.
Tapasin veljeni eilen.
I met my brother yesterday.
§ Giving something to your brother: 'veljelle' (to brother)
To indicate giving something to someone, you use the allative case. For veli, this becomes veljelle.
- Allative
- veljelle
Annoin lahjan veljelle.
I gave a gift to brother.
Kerro terveisiä veljellesi.
Give greetings to your brother. (Here, 'veljellesi' combines allative with the possessive suffix for 'your'.)
§ With your brother: 'veljen kanssa' or 'veljeni kanssa'
To say 'with brother', you use the postposition kanssa. The noun before kanssa is in the genitive case.
- With
- kanssa
Menin elokuviin veljeni kanssa.
I went to the movies with my brother.
Puhuin veljen kanssa.
I spoke with brother.
§ Plural: 'veljet' (brothers)
To talk about more than one brother, you use the plural form.
- Plural
- veljet
Minulla on kaksi veljeä.
I have two brothers. (Note the partitive case for the object when talking about an unspecified amount or part of something.)
Veljet ovat ulkona.
The brothers are outside.
§ What 'veli' means
- Finnish Word
- veli (noun)
- English Definition
- brother
§ 'Veli' in everyday talk
The word 'veli' is straightforward. It means 'brother'. Just like in English, you use it to refer to a male sibling. It's a common word, so you'll hear it often in casual conversations, at home, and among friends. Let's look at some basic examples.
Minun veli on opiskelija.
Translation hint: My brother is a student.
Onko sinulla veliä?
Translation hint: Do you have brothers? (Note the partitive case for 'veli' here, 'veljiä', because it's a question about existence/quantity.)
§ 'Veli' at work and school
While you might not directly call a colleague or classmate 'veli' unless you are literally siblings, the word comes up in conversations about family. You might talk about your brother's job or your brother's studies. It's all about context.
Minun veli työskentelee IT-alalla.
Translation hint: My brother works in the IT sector.
Hänen veli opiskelee yliopistossa.
Translation hint: His brother studies at university.
§ 'Veli' in the news and media
In news reports, you might encounter 'veli' when discussing family members of public figures, or in stories about inheritance, crime, or human interest pieces. It's a fundamental family term, so its appearance isn't limited to specific topics.
Pääministerin veli kommentoi uutista.
Translation hint: The Prime Minister's brother commented on the news.
Hän etsii kauan kadonnutta veliään.
Translation hint: She is looking for her long-lost brother (here 'veli' is in the partitive case, 'veljeään').
§ Related words and common phrases
Here are a few other words and phrases that often come up when talking about family, specifically siblings:
Sisar: This means 'sibling' (gender-neutral). It's a useful word when you don't want to specify if it's a brother or sister.
Isoveli: This means 'big brother' (iso = big).
Pikkuveli: This means 'little brother' (pikku = little/small).
Veljekset: This is the plural form for 'brothers'.
Understanding 'veli' is a good step towards talking about family in Finnish. It's a basic but essential word that you'll hear and use frequently.
§ Mistakes people make with 'veli'
Let's talk about 'veli' and some common blunders English speakers make. It's a simple word for 'brother,' but Finnish grammar can get tricky. Don't worry, we'll clear things up.
§ Mistake 1: Not changing the ending
The biggest mistake is treating 'veli' like an English word that never changes. In Finnish, almost every noun changes its ending depending on its role in the sentence. This is called 'declension.' You can't just use 'veli' for everything.
- DEFINITION
- Declension: The change of a word's form to indicate its grammatical function (e.g., subject, object, possessive).
For example, if you want to say 'my brother,' you don't say 'minun veli.' You need the possessive form.
Minun veljeni on pitkä. (My brother is tall.)
Here, '-ni' is the possessive suffix for 'my.' If you just say 'minun veli,' it sounds unnatural and incorrect to a Finn.
§ Mistake 2: Confusing 'veli' with 'sisko' (sister) or 'velipuoli' (half-brother)
While 'veli' is straightforward for 'brother,' sometimes learners get tangled with related words. 'Sisko' is 'sister.' Don't mix them up!
Minulla on yksi veli ja kaksi siskoa. (I have one brother and two sisters.)
'Velipuoli' specifically means 'half-brother.' If you just say 'veli' when you mean 'half-brother,' it's not a huge error, but it's less precise.
§ Mistake 3: Over-complicating it with 'male sibling'
Sometimes learners try to be too literal and translate 'male sibling' directly. Just use 'veli.' Finnish is often more direct than English when it comes to basic family terms.
§ Mistake 4: Not recognizing different cases of 'veli'
This goes back to declension. You will see 'veli' change its form depending on the sentence. Here are a few common forms you'll encounter:
- Veli: Subject (e.g., 'Veli nukkuu.' - The brother sleeps.)
- Veljen: Possessive (genitive case) (e.g., 'Veljen auto.' - The brother's car.)
- Veljeä: Partitive case (often for objects, or when quantity is unknown/unspecified) (e.g., 'Näen veljeä.' - I see a brother/I'm seeing the brother [partially/not fully].)
- Veljelle: Allative case (to the brother) (e.g., 'Annoin kirjan veljelle.' - I gave the book to the brother.)
- Veljeltä: Ablative case (from the brother) (e.g., 'Sain lahjan veljeltä.' - I got a gift from the brother.)
Don't try to memorize all cases at once. Just be aware that 'veli' will look different, and that's normal. Context will help you understand.
Puhuin veljeni kanssa. (I spoke with my brother.)
Here, 'veljeni' is in the genitive case with the possessive suffix '-ni.' Notice how the 'e' changed to 'je' before the ending.
§ Summary: How to avoid mistakes
- Always remember that Finnish nouns change endings.
- Learn the different cases gradually.
- Use 'veli' for 'brother,' 'sisko' for 'sister.'
- Don't overthink it; keep it simple.
By being aware of these points, you'll use 'veli' like a pro in no time. Keep practicing your Finnish!
Curiosidade
The word 'veli' has ancient roots, connecting Finnish to other Uralic languages like Estonian (veli) and Hungarian (valamint – though the connection is more distant and evolved).
Exemplos por nível
Minulla on yksi veli.
I have one brother.
Here, 'veli' is in the nominative case.
Hän on minun veljeni.
He is my brother.
'veljeni' means 'my brother', showing possession.
Veli asuu Helsingissä.
Brother lives in Helsinki.
Simple statement using 'veli' as the subject.
Puhun veljen kanssa.
I talk with my brother.
'veljen kanssa' means 'with the brother'.
Näen veljen usein.
I see my brother often.
'veljen' is in the genitive case, used for the object of seeing.
Veljellä on kissa.
My brother has a cat.
'Veljellä' is in the adessive case, indicating possession.
Syömme veljen kanssa.
We eat with my brother.
Another example of 'veljen kanssa'.
Veli on töissä.
Brother is at work.
Simple sentence structure.
Minun veljeni on opiskelija.
My brother is a student.
Possessive suffix -ni (my) is added to veli.
Onko sinulla veljiä?
Do you have brothers?
Partitive plural veljiä is used with 'onko sinulla' (do you have).
Hän puhuu veljensä kanssa.
He talks with his brother.
Genitive veljensä (his brother's) is used with 'kanssa' (with).
Näen veljen usein.
I see the brother often.
Accusative veljen is used as the object of the verb 'nähdä' (to see).
Puhuin veljelle eilen.
I spoke to my brother yesterday.
Allative veljelle (to brother) is used with verbs of speaking.
Missä veljesi asuu?
Where does your brother live?
Possessive suffix -si (your) is added to veli.
Heillä on kaksi veljeä.
They have two brothers.
Partitive veljeä is used when referring to a quantity of something.
Veli auttaa minua.
The brother helps me.
Nominative veli is used as the subject of the sentence.
Minun veljeni on opiskelija.
My brother is a student.
Possessive suffix -ni (my) is added to veli, making it veljeni.
Tapasin veljeni eilen kahvilassa.
I met my brother yesterday at the cafe.
Veljeni is in the accusative case because it's the direct object.
Hän puhuu veljensä kanssa puhelimessa.
He is talking with his brother on the phone.
Veljensä uses the possessive suffix for 'his/her'.
Onko sinulla veljiä?
Do you have brothers?
Veljiä is the partitive plural of veli, used in questions about existence.
Isoveli auttaa pikkusiskoaan läksyissä.
The older brother helps his little sister with homework.
Isoveli means 'older brother'.
Menimme veljeni luo juhlimaan hänen syntymäpäiväänsä.
We went to my brother's place to celebrate his birthday.
Luo means 'to someone's place'.
Hän on kolmesta veljeksestä nuorin.
He is the youngest of the three brothers.
Veljekset refers to 'brothers' in the sense of siblings.
Veljeni on todella hyvä kokki.
My brother is a really good cook.
Todella is an intensifier meaning 'really' or 'very'.
Minun veljeni on opiskelija ja asuu toisella puolella kaupunkia, mutta näemme toisiamme viikonloppuisin.
My brother is a student and lives on the other side of the city, but we see each other on weekends.
Possessive suffix '-ni' (my) is attached to 'veli'. 'Toisella puolella kaupunkia' means 'on the other side of the city'.
Hän auttoi veljeään muutossa viime viikolla, ja se oli aika rankka urakka heille molemmille.
He helped his brother with the move last week, and it was quite a tough job for both of them.
Partitive case 'veljeään' (his brother) is used with 'auttoi'. 'Rankka urakka' means 'tough job'.
Keskustelimme veljeni kanssa illallisella ja suunnittelimme seuraavaa yhteistä matkaamme.
We talked with my brother at dinner and planned our next trip together.
Comitative case 'veljeni kanssa' (with my brother). 'Yhteinen matka' means 'common/shared trip'.
Vaikka olemme veljiä, meillä on hyvin erilaiset mielipiteet monista asioista, mikä joskus johtaa vilkkaisiin keskusteluihin.
Even though we are brothers, we have very different opinions on many things, which sometimes leads to lively discussions.
Plural nominative 'veljiä' (brothers). 'Erilaiset mielipiteet' means 'different opinions'.
Pikkusiskoni oli innoissaan, kun hänen isoveljensä tuli kotiin armeijasta pitkän ajan jälkeen.
My little sister was excited when her older brother came home from the army after a long time.
'Isoveljensä' means 'her older brother' (literally 'big brother'). 'Pitkän ajan jälkeen' means 'after a long time'.
Muistatko sen kerran, kun veljekset rakensivat majan metsään ja viettivät siellä koko päivän?
Do you remember that time when the brothers built a hut in the forest and spent the whole day there?
Plural nominative 'veljekset' (the brothers). 'Rakensivat majan' means 'built a hut'.
Hän on aina voinut luottaa veljeensä vaikeissa tilanteissa ja saanut häneltä tukea.
He has always been able to trust his brother in difficult situations and received support from him.
Illative case 'veljeensä' (into his brother) with 'luottaa'. 'Vaikeissa tilanteissa' means 'in difficult situations'.
Olen iloinen, että minulla on veli, jonka kanssa voin jakaa niin hyviä kuin huonojakin hetkiä.
I am happy that I have a brother with whom I can share both good and bad moments.
Partitive case 'veli' (a brother) after 'minulla on' (I have). 'Jakaa' means 'to share'.
Heidän väliinsä syntyi sukupolvien kuilu, kun toinen seurasi tiukasti perinteitä ja toinen omaksui modernin elämäntavan, mikä syvensi heidän veljessuhteensa haasteita.
A generational gap formed between them when one strictly followed traditions and the other adopted a modern lifestyle, which deepened the challenges in their brotherly relationship.
Possessive suffix -nsä attached to väliinsä (between them). veljessuhteen (brotherly relationship) in genitive case.
Vaikka he olivat kasvaneet erillään, yhteinen perintö ja syvälle juurtuneet lapsuuden muistot loivat odottamattoman siteen, joka yhdisti veljekset vuosikymmenten jälkeenkin.
Even though they had grown up apart, a shared heritage and deeply rooted childhood memories created an unexpected bond that united the brothers even after decades.
Vaikka (although) introduces a concessive clause. loivat (created) is the past tense of luoda. veljekset (brothers) in nominative plural.
Hän joutui tasapainoilemaan lojaaliutensa välillä, kun hänen veljensä sotkeutui hämäriin liiketoimiin, jotka uhkasivat koko perheen mainetta ja turvallisuutta.
He had to balance his loyalty when his brother got involved in shady business dealings that threatened the whole family's reputation and security.
lojaaliutensa (his loyalty) with possessive suffix. välillä (between) governs partitive case (lojaaliutensa). sotkeutui (got involved) is the past tense of sotkeutua.
Keskellä kriisiä heidän lapsuuden veljeytensä toimi ankkurina, joka auttoi heitä selviytymään vastoinkäymisistä ja löytämään yhteisen tien eteenpäin.
In the midst of the crisis, their childhood brotherhood served as an anchor that helped them overcome adversity and find a common path forward.
Keskellä (in the middle of) governs genitive case (kriisin). veljeytensä (their brotherhood) with possessive suffix. auttoi (helped) is the past tense of auttaa.
Poliittisten erimielisyyksien syventyessä heidän perheessään veljesten side joutui koetukselle, kunnes he ymmärsivät, että veriside oli vahvempi kuin mikään ideologia.
As political disagreements deepened in their family, the brothers' bond was put to the test, until they understood that blood was thicker than any ideology.
syventyessä (as it deepened) is the inessive case of the present participle. joutui koetukselle (was put to the test). veriside (blood bond) in nominative.
Hän kantoi mukanaan veljensä menneisyyden painolastia, tunnetta syyllisyydestä, joka varjosti hänen jokaista päätöstään ja esti häntä elämästä täysipainoista elämää.
He carried the burden of his brother's past, a feeling of guilt that overshadowed his every decision and prevented him from living a full life.
menneisyyden (past's) in genitive. painolastia (burden) in partitive. varjosti (overshadowed) is the past tense of varjostaa.
Vaikka heidän elämänsä olivat kulkeneet eri teitä, vuosikymmenten hiljaisuus murtui, kun toinen veli tarvitsi kipeästi apua ja toinen vastasi kutsuun epäröimättä.
Although their lives had taken different paths, decades of silence broke when one brother desperately needed help and the other answered the call without hesitation.
kulkeneet (had gone) is the past participle plural. murtui (broke) is the past tense of murtua. tarvitsi (needed) is the past tense of tarvita.
Veljesten välinen kilpailu oli aluksi harmitonta, mutta vuosien varrella se muuttui katkeraksi taisteluksi tunnustuksesta ja perinnöstä, hajottaen heidän perheensä.
The competition between the brothers was harmless at first, but over the years it turned into a bitter struggle for recognition and inheritance, tearing their family apart.
Veljesten (brothers') in genitive plural. välinen (between) refers to the competition. muuttui (turned into) is the past tense of muuttua. hajottaen (tearing apart) is the instructive case of the present participle.
Frequentemente confundido com
While 'sisar' can mean 'sibling' (gender-neutral), 'veli' is always 'brother' and 'sisko' is always 'sister'.
'Veli' is a specific family member, 'lapsi' is a general term for 'child'.
'Mies' means 'man' or 'husband', not 'brother'. Veli specifically refers to a male sibling.
Padrões gramaticais
Fácil de confundir
Often confused with words for other family members due to similar endings or sounds in other languages.
Veli specifically means 'brother' and doesn't apply to other family relations.
Minulla on yksi veli. (I have one brother.)
Similar to 'veli', it's a core family word that learners might mix up with 'brother' or other relatives.
Sisko specifically means 'sister'.
Siskoni asuu Helsingissä. (My sister lives in Helsinki.)
This plural word for 'parents' can be confusing because it doesn't directly translate as 'mother and father' but rather 'elders' or 'parents'. Learners might try to use singular forms.
Vanhemmat is always plural and refers to both parents. 'Isä' is father, 'äiti' is mother.
Minun vanhempani ovat mukavia. (My parents are nice.)
Another plural word, 'lapset' means 'children'. Learners might incorrectly use a singular form or confuse it with 'lapsi' (child).
Lapset is the plural form for 'children'. Lapsi is singular for 'child'.
Meillä on kaksi lasta. (We have two children.)
In Finnish, 'serkku' is gender-neutral and means 'cousin', which can be confusing for English speakers who differentiate between male and female cousins.
Serkku can refer to a male or female cousin.
Tapasin serkkuni jouluna. (I met my cousin at Christmas.)
Padrões de frases
Minulla on veli.
Minulla on veli. (I have a brother.)
Hän on minun veljeni.
Hän on minun veljeni. (He is my brother.)
Onko sinulla veli?
Onko sinulla veli? (Do you have a brother?)
Mikä on veljesi nimi?
Mikä on veljesi nimi? (What is your brother's name?)
Veljeni on kiva.
Veljeni on kiva. (My brother is nice.)
Puhun veljeni kanssa.
Puhun veljeni kanssa. (I talk with my brother.)
Menen veljeni luo.
Menen veljeni luo. (I go to my brother's place.)
Veljelläni on uusi auto.
Veljelläni on uusi auto. (My brother has a new car.)
Dicas
Basic use of veli
Veli simply means brother. It's a common and essential word to know for family members.
Plural form of veli
The plural form of veli is veljet. For example, 'Minulla on kaksi veljeä' (I have two brothers).
Possessive suffixes with veli
You can add possessive suffixes: veljeni (my brother), veljesi (your brother), veljensä (his/her brother).
Partitive case with veli
When talking about an indefinite quantity or object of an action, use the partitive: veljeä. 'Näen veljeä' (I see a brother/the brother).
Genitive case with veli
The genitive case shows possession: veljen. 'Veljen auto' (the brother's car).
Don't confuse with sisko
Remember that 'veli' is for brother, and 'sisko' is for sister. Keep them separate!
Informal use of veli
Sometimes 'veli' can be used informally among close friends, similar to calling someone 'bro' or 'mate' in English. This is less common but good to recognize.
Contextual examples for veli
Mitä veljesi tekee? (What does your brother do?); Hän on veljeni. (He is my brother.)
Veli in compound words
You might see 'veli' in compound words like 'isoveli' (older brother) or 'pikkuveli' (little brother).
Practise veli in sentences
Try forming simple sentences: 'Minulla on veli.' (I have a brother.) 'Veljeni on hauska.' (My brother is funny.)
Origem da palavra
Proto-Uralic
Significado original: male kinsman
UralicContexto cultural
In Finnish culture, family is very important. 'Veli' is used for a brother, but you might also hear it used affectionately for close male friends, especially in more informal settings or among younger people. It's a term that carries warmth and familiarity.
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntas'Veli' means brother, and 'sisko' means sister. They are both common words for siblings.
You can say things like:
- Minulla on yksi veli. (I have one brother.)
- Hän on minun veljeni. (He is my brother.)
- Missä veljesi on? (Where is your brother?)
Yes, like most Finnish nouns, 'veli' changes its ending depending on its role in the sentence. For example, 'veljeni' means 'my brother'.
'Veli' is a standard, neutral word for brother. It's appropriate in all contexts.
'Veli' itself doesn't specify age. If you want to say 'older brother' you'd say 'isoveli', and for 'younger brother' you'd say 'pikkuveli' or 'veli' with context.
A common phrase is 'veljenpoika' (nephew, literally 'brother's son') or 'veljentytär' (niece, literally 'brother's daughter').
It's pronounced roughly like 'VEH-lee'. The 'e' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed', and the 'i' sounds like the 'i' in 'ski'.
Yes, the basic plural is 'veljet'. For example, 'Minulla on kaksi veljeä.' (I have two brothers.)
You can say 'Minulla ei ole veljeä.' (I don't have a brother.)
While its primary meaning is 'brother', it can sometimes be used informally among close male friends, similar to 'bro' in English, but this is less common and depends heavily on context.
Teste-se 48 perguntas
Minulla on yksi ___. (I have one brother.)
The word 'veli' means brother. The sentence indicates having one sibling, and 'veli' fits the context of 'brother'.
Hän on minun ___. (He is my brother.)
The sentence 'He is my ___' requires a family member, and 'veli' (brother) is the correct choice.
Missä sinun ___ on? (Where is your brother?)
The question 'Where is your ___?' asks about a person, and 'veli' (brother) is the appropriate answer.
Hän on ___ ja minä olen sisko. (He is a brother and I am a sister.)
This sentence contrasts 'brother' with 'sister', so 'veli' is the correct term for 'brother'.
Minun ___ asuu Helsingissä. (My brother lives in Helsinki.)
Someone who lives in Helsinki would typically be a person, so 'veli' (brother) is the most suitable word.
Onko sinulla ___? (Do you have a brother?)
The question 'Do you have a ___?' can be about a person, and 'veli' (brother) fits the context of asking about family.
I have one brother and two sisters.
My brother lives in Helsinki.
He is my older brother.
Read this aloud:
Minun veljeni on opiskelija.
Focus: veljeni, opiskelija
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Onko sinulla veljiä?
Focus: veljiä
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Tapaan veljeni huomenna.
Focus: tapaan, veljeni, huomenna
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'I have an older brother.' The possessive structure 'Minun on' (literally 'mine is') is common in Finnish to express possession.
This sentence translates to 'Her/His little brother is a student.' 'Pikkuveli' means 'little brother' and 'opiskelija' means 'student.'
This question means 'Where does your brother live?' 'Veljesi' is the singular possessive form of 'veli' (your brother).
Choose the correct translation: 'My brother lives in Helsinki.'
When 'veli' is possessed and in the nominative case, it takes the possessive suffix '-ni' for 'my' and the strong grade 'veljeni'. The inessive case ending '-ssa/-ssä' is used for 'in Helsinki'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'veli' in the partitive case?
'Nähdä' (to see) often takes the object in the partitive case. 'Veli' in the partitive with a possessive suffix for 'my' becomes 'veljeni'. The stem changes from 'veli' to 'velje-'.
Select the sentence where 'veli' is in the genitive case, meaning 'of a brother'.
The genitive case of 'veli' is 'veljen'. It signifies possession or association, as in 'the brother's car'.
The plural form of 'veli' in the nominative case is 'veljet'.
The plural nominative of 'veli' is indeed 'veljet'. The 'i' changes to 'e' and the plural marker 't' is added.
When referring to 'with my brother', the correct form is 'veljeni kanssa'.
The postposition 'kanssa' (with) requires the preceding noun to be in the genitive case. So, 'veli' becomes 'veljeni' (my brother, genitive with possessive suffix).
The illative case of 'veli' is 'veljoon'.
The illative case ending is '-oon/-öön', '-seen', or '-hVn' depending on the word. For 'veli', the illative is 'veljeen', meaning 'into a brother'.
Imagine you are describing your family to a new Finnish friend. Write a few sentences about your brother, including his name, age, and one thing he likes to do.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Minulla on yksi veli. Hänen nimensä on Jaakko ja hän on 25 vuotta vanha. Hän pitää jalkapallosta ja pelaa usein viikonloppuisin.
You are writing an email to your Finnish grandmother. Describe a recent activity you did with your brother. What did you do, and did you enjoy it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hei mummi! Viime viikonloppuna menimme veljeni kanssa kävelylle metsään. Oli todella kaunista ja nautimme raikkaasta ilmasta. Puhuimme paljon ja se oli mukavaa.
Write three sentences comparing yourself and your brother. Focus on similarities or differences in personality or hobbies.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Minä ja veljeni pidämme molemmat lukemisesta, mutta hän on paljon urheilullisempi kuin minä. Hän on myös hiljaisempi, kun taas minä puhun paljon. Vaikka olemme erilaisia, meillä on hauskaa yhdessä.
Mitä Mika tekee mieluiten vapaa-ajallaan?
Read this passage:
Perheeni on minulle tärkeä. Minulla on vanhemmat ja yksi vanhempi veli, Mika. Mika on luonteeltaan rauhallinen ja hän viihtyy kotona. Hän tykkää lukea kirjoja ja pelata videopelejä. Olen itse aktiivisempi ja tykkään käydä ulkona ystävieni kanssa. Vaikka olemme erilaisia, meillä on hyvä suhde ja tuemme toisiamme aina.
Mitä Mika tekee mieluiten vapaa-ajallaan?
Tekstissä sanotaan: 'Hän tykkää lukea kirjoja ja pelata videopelejä.'
Tekstissä sanotaan: 'Hän tykkää lukea kirjoja ja pelata videopelejä.'
Miksi veli haluaa matkustaa Lappiin?
Read this passage:
Siskoni ja veljeni suunnittelevat matkaa Lappiin ensi talvena. Veljeni on intohimoinen laskettelija, ja hän haluaa kokeilla uusia rinteitä. Siskoni taas on kiinnostunut revontulista ja porojen näkemisestä. He ovat jo varanneet mökin ja odottavat innolla matkaansa. Minä en pääse mukaan tällä kertaa, mutta toivon heille hyvää matkaa.
Miksi veli haluaa matkustaa Lappiin?
Tekstissä mainitaan: 'Veljeni on intohimoinen laskettelija, ja hän haluaa kokeilla uusia rinteitä.'
Tekstissä mainitaan: 'Veljeni on intohimoinen laskettelija, ja hän haluaa kokeilla uusia rinteitä.'
Mitä uutta harrastusta Niko on aloittanut?
Read this passage:
Tulin juuri takaisin vanhempieni luota, missä vietin viikonlopun. Tapasin siellä myös nuoremman veljeni, Nikon. Niko on aloittanut uuden harrastuksen, ja hän on nyt innostunut kalastuksesta. Hän kertoi minulle kaikista uusista vieheistä ja vavoista, joita hän on ostanut. Vaikka en itse kalasta, oli mukava kuunnella hänen innostustaan. Lupasin ehkä mennä hänen kanssaan kalaan ensi kesänä.
Mitä uutta harrastusta Niko on aloittanut?
Tekstissä sanotaan: 'Niko on aloittanut uuden harrastuksen, ja hän on nyt innostunut kalastuksesta.'
Tekstissä sanotaan: 'Niko on aloittanut uuden harrastuksen, ja hän on nyt innostunut kalastuksesta.'
This sentence means 'His brother is an engineer.' The word order is typical Finnish SVO (Subject-Verb-Object), with 'Hänen veli' as the subject.
This sentence translates to 'My older brother lives abroad.' The possessive 'Minun' comes first, followed by the adjective 'vanhempi' and then the noun 'veli'. The verb 'asuu' follows.
This sentence means 'I met his brother yesterday.' 'Tapasin' is the verb, 'eilen' is the adverb of time, and 'hänen veljensä' is the object in the genitive case, indicating possession and object status.
Vaikka he olivat kasvaneet eri maissa, heidän siteensä oli katkeamaton, kuin ___ olisi heitä aina yhdistänyt.
The word 'veljeys' means 'brotherhood', which fits the context of an unbreakable bond between people who grew up in different countries.
Hän muisteli menneitä aikoja, jolloin hänen vanhempi ___ oli opastanut häntä elämän mutkissa ja jakanut kaikki salaisuudet.
The sentence describes an older sibling who guided and shared secrets, which strongly suggests a 'veli' (brother).
Perinteisesti suomalaisessa kulttuurissa vanhin ___ saattoi periä suurimman osan perheen maatilasta.
In traditional Finnish culture, the eldest 'veli' (brother) often inherited the largest share of the family farm.
Vaikka he olivat riidelleet nuorena usein, vuosien myötä heidän suhteensa syveni, ja heistä tuli toistensa paras ___.
The context implies a deep, brotherly bond despite past quarrels, making 'veli' the most fitting choice for 'best brother/friend'.
Poliittisessa mielessä 'suuri ___' voi viitata ideologiseen liittolaiseen tai kansakuntaan, joka jakaa samat arvot.
The phrase 'suuri veli' (big brother) is used metaphorically in politics to refer to an ideological ally or a nation sharing values.
Hänen nuorempi ___nsa, joka oli aina ollut seikkailunhaluinen, lähti purjehtimaan maailman ympäri ilman ennakkovaroitusta.
The sentence describes a younger male sibling ('nuorempi veli') who was adventurous and set sail around the world.
Listen for how the brother and sister's relationship is described despite their disagreements.
Pay attention to the sister's anticipation and what she imagines about her brother's return.
Focus on the role the brother plays within his family.
Read this aloud:
Kuvaile, miten veljesi tai sisaresi on vaikuttanut elämääsi, painottaen heidän rooliaan elämän suurissa käännekohdissa ja arjen pienissä hetkissä.
Focus: veljesi, sisaresi, vaikuttanut, käännekohdissa, arjen, pienissä
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Pohdi, millaisia odotuksia veljillä ja siskoilla on usein toisilleen, ja miten nämä odotukset voivat sekä vahvistaa että koetella suhdetta.
Focus: odotuksia, toisilleen, vahvistaa, koetella, suhdetta
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Vertaa lapsuuden veli- ja sisarussuhteita aikuisiän suhteisiin. Mitä pysyy samana, ja mikä muuttuu ajan myötä?
Focus: lapsuuden, sisarussuhteita, aikuisiän, pysyy, muuttuu, myötä
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of veli
Veli simply means brother. It's a common and essential word to know for family members.
Plural form of veli
The plural form of veli is veljet. For example, 'Minulla on kaksi veljeä' (I have two brothers).
Possessive suffixes with veli
You can add possessive suffixes: veljeni (my brother), veljesi (your brother), veljensä (his/her brother).
Partitive case with veli
When talking about an indefinite quantity or object of an action, use the partitive: veljeä. 'Näen veljeä' (I see a brother/the brother).
