Language/Finnish/Vocabulary/Numbers-and-Counting
Counting is an essential skill in any language, and Finnish is no exception! Understanding numbers and how to count not only helps you in daily interactions, like shopping or telling the time, but it also opens the door to deeper conversations and comprehension of the Finnish culture. In this lesson, we will explore Finnish numbers from 1 to 20, delve into their pronunciation, and provide you with plenty of practice to solidify your learning.
We’ll structure our lesson as follows:
1. Introduction to Numbers in Finnish
2. Counting from 1 to 20
3. Using Numbers in Sentences
4. Exercises and Practice Scenarios
5. Solutions and Explanations
Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Numbers in Finnish[edit | edit source]
Numbers in Finnish can seem daunting at first, especially since they have unique words and pronunciation. However, once you master the basics, you’ll find counting becomes second nature.
Learning numbers is crucial for:
- Shopping: Knowing how to ask for prices or quantities.
- Time Management: Being able to tell the time is essential in daily life.
- Social Interactions: You’ll often need numbers in conversations, whether discussing age, dates, or addresses.
Counting from 1 to 20[edit | edit source]
Let’s begin with the numbers from 1 to 20. Below is a table that lists the Finnish numbers along with their pronunciation and English translations:
| Finnish | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| yksi | /ˈyksɪ/ | one |
| kaksi | /ˈkɑksɪ/ | two |
| kolme | /ˈkolme/ | three |
| neljä | /ˈneljæ/ | four |
| viisi | /ˈviːsɪ/ | five |
| kuusi | /ˈkuːsɪ/ | six |
| seitsemän | /ˈseitseˌmæn/ | seven |
| kahdeksan | /ˈkɑhdeksɑn/ | eight |
| yhdeksän | /ˈyhdɛksæn/ | nine |
| kymmenen | /ˈkymːmen/ | ten |
| yksitoista | /ˈyksɪˌtoistɑ/ | eleven |
| kaksitoista | /ˈkɑksɪˌtoistɑ/ | twelve |
| kolmetoista | /ˈkolmeˌtoistɑ/ | thirteen |
| neljätoista | /ˈneljæˌtoistɑ/ | fourteen |
| viidentoista | /ˈviːndenˌtoistɑ/ | fifteen |
| kuusitoista | /ˈkuːsɪˌtoistɑ/ | sixteen |
| seitsemäntoista | /ˈseitseˌmæntoistɑ/ | seventeen |
| kahdeksantoista | /ˈkɑhdeksɑnˌtoistɑ/ | eighteen |
| yhdeksäntoista | /ˈyhdɛksænˌtoistɑ/ | nineteen |
| kakskymmentä | /ˈkɑksˌkymːenˌtæ/ | twenty |
== Understanding the Numbers
Here are some key points about Finnish numbers:
- Compound Structure: Numbers from 13 to 19 are formed by combining the unit with the word for ten (kymmenen). For example, thirteen is "kolme" (three) + "kymmenen" (ten) = "kolmetoista."
- No Gender: Unlike many other languages, Finnish numbers do not have gender.
- Pronunciation: Pay attention to vowel harmony and long vowels; these can change the meaning of words.
Using Numbers in Sentences[edit | edit source]
Now that you know the numbers, let's see how to use them in sentences. Here are some examples:
1. I have three apples.
- Minulla on kolme omenaa.
2. There are five books on the table.
- Pöydällä on viisi kirjaa.
3. I need two tickets.
- Tarvitsen kaksi lippua.
4. She is twenty years old.
- Hän on kaksikymmentä vuotta vanha.
5. The store opens at nine.
- Kauppa avautuu yhdeksältä.
Notice how the structure of Finnish sentences can differ from English, but the counting part remains straightforward once you know the vocabulary.
Exercises and Practice Scenarios[edit | edit source]
To help you practice what you've learned, here are some exercises. Don’t worry; I’ll provide the solutions at the end!
1. Translate the following sentences into Finnish:
1. I have seven friends.
2. There are twelve chairs in the room.
3. He is fifteen years old.
4. We need four bottles of water.
5. The meeting starts at ten.
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct Finnish number:
1. _____ (two) koiraa.
2. Hän on _____ (eighteen) vuotta vanha.
3. Minulla on _____ (four) kirjaa.
4. Pöydällä on _____ (six) omenaa.
5. Tarvitsen _____ (three) lippua.
3. Match the Finnish numbers to their English equivalents:
| Finnish | English |
|---------|---------|
| yksi | |
| viisi | |
| neljä | |
| kymmenen| |
| kahdeksan| |
4. Create sentences using the following numbers:
1. 11
2. 19
3. 5
4. 3
5. 17
5. Listening Exercise: Listen to a Finnish speaker count from one to twenty and write down the numbers you hear.
Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]
Now, let’s go through the solutions for exercises to reinforce your learning!
1. Translations:
1. Minulla on seitsemän ystävää.
2. Huoneessa on kaksitoista tuolia.
3. Hän on viisitoista vuotta vanha.
4. Tarvitsemme neljä pulloa vettä.
5. Kokous alkaa kymmeneltä.
2. Fill in the Blanks:
1. kaksi
2. kahdeksantoista
3. neljä
4. kuusi
5. kolme
3. Matching:
| Finnish | English |
|---------|---------|
| yksi | one |
| viisi | five |
| neljä | four |
| kymmenen| ten |
| kahdeksan| eight |
4. Sample Sentences:
1. Minulla on yksitoista suklaata. (I have eleven chocolates.)
2. Hän on yhdeksäntoista vuotta vanha. (He is nineteen years old.)
3. Meillä on viisi koiraa. (We have five dogs.)
4. Tarvitsen kolme lippua. (I need three tickets.)
5. Hän on seitsemäntoista vuotta vanha. (She is seventeen years old.)
5. Listening Exercise: (This is subjective, but students should be able to write down the numbers they hear correctly.)
Remember, practice makes perfect! Continue to use numbers in your daily conversations, and soon you’ll be counting like a pro in Finnish.
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Finnish - Finnish in Three Minutes - Numbers 1-10 - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Finnish Numbers - How to count in Finnish - ielanguages.com
- Finnish Numbers: How to Count in Finnish
- Flashcards for learning the Finnish language
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Problems in Finnish
- Transportation and Travel
- Colors and Shapes
- How to count in Finnish
- Verb Types
- Essential Phrases in Finnish
- At Home
- Feelings and Emotions
- How to Say Hello and Greetings