In learning any language, the ability to combine sentences is a fundamental skill that enhances communication. For Finnish language learners, mastering how to use the conjunction “että” (that) is essential. This article will delve into the various ways you can use “että” to create more complex and nuanced sentences. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to integrate this conjunction into your Finnish language toolkit.
Understanding “että” (that)
In Finnish, “että” is a conjunction used to connect clauses. It is akin to the English word “that.” The primary function of “että” is to introduce a subordinate clause, which provides additional information about the main clause. For example:
– Hän sanoi, että hän tulee. (He said that he is coming.)
In this sentence, “että” introduces the subordinate clause “hän tulee” (he is coming), which provides more information about what “hän sanoi” (he said).
Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses introduced by “että” can serve various functions in a sentence. They can act as the object of the main clause, provide explanations, or add more detail. Let’s explore some of these functions.
Object Clauses
One of the most common uses of “että” is to introduce an object clause, which serves as the object of the main verb. In English, this is similar to sentences like “I think that…” or “She knows that…”.
– Ajattelen, että se on hyvä idea. (I think that it is a good idea.)
– Tiedän, että hän on täällä. (I know that she is here.)
In these sentences, the clauses “se on hyvä idea” (it is a good idea) and “hän on täällä” (she is here) function as the objects of the verbs “ajattelen” (I think) and “tiedän” (I know), respectively.
Explanatory Clauses
“että” can also introduce clauses that provide explanations or reasons for the main clause. This is similar to English sentences like “It is important that…” or “The reason is that…”.
– On tärkeää, että tulet ajoissa. (It is important that you come on time.)
– Syy on, että hän oli sairas. (The reason is that he was sick.)
Here, the clauses “tulet ajoissa” (you come on time) and “hän oli sairas” (he was sick) offer explanations for why something is important or the reason for a situation.
Noun Clauses
In addition to object and explanatory clauses, “että” can introduce noun clauses. These function as the subject or complement of the main clause. For example:
– Se fakta, että hän voitti, on uskomaton. (The fact that he won is incredible.)
– On totta, että hän on lahjakas. (It is true that she is talented.)
In these cases, the clauses “hän voitti” (he won) and “hän on lahjakas” (she is talented) act as the subject or complement of the main clause, providing essential information to complete the thought.
Combining Sentences with Different Tenses
When combining sentences with “että,” it’s crucial to maintain the correct tense in both the main clause and the subordinate clause. The tense in the subordinate clause usually depends on the tense in the main clause.
Present Tense
If the main clause is in the present tense, the subordinate clause often follows suit:
– Hän sanoo, että hän tulee tänään. (He says that he is coming today.)
– Uskon, että he ovat täällä. (I believe that they are here.)
Past Tense
Similarly, if the main clause is in the past tense, the subordinate clause usually reflects this:
– Hän sanoi, että hän tuli eilen. (He said that he came yesterday.)
– Ajattelin, että he olivat täällä. (I thought that they were here.)
Future Tense
For future tense constructions, Finnish often uses the present tense in the subordinate clause, relying on context to convey the future meaning:
– Hän sanoo, että hän tulee huomenna. (He says that he will come tomorrow.)
– Uskon, että he saapuvat pian. (I believe that they will arrive soon.)
Negation in Subordinate Clauses
Negation in Finnish involves using the word “ei” (not) in the appropriate form. When “että” is used in a sentence that requires negation, “ei” precedes the verb in the subordinate clause:
– Hän sanoi, että hän ei tule. (He said that he is not coming.)
– Tiedän, että he eivät ole täällä. (I know that they are not here.)
It’s essential to ensure that the negative form of the verb matches the subject in the subordinate clause.
Common Verbs Used with “että”
Certain verbs frequently appear with “että” to form complex sentences. Familiarizing yourself with these verbs can make it easier to construct sentences using “että.”
Verbs of Saying and Thinking
Verbs that express saying, thinking, or believing are commonly followed by “että”:
– sanoa (to say)
– ajatella (to think)
– tietää (to know)
– uskoa (to believe)
– luulla (to suppose)
Examples:
– Hän sanoi, että hän tulee. (He said that he is coming.)
– Ajattelen, että se on totta. (I think that it is true.)
– Tiedän, että hän on oikeassa. (I know that she is right.)
Verbs of Feeling and Perception
Verbs that describe feelings or perceptions are also frequently followed by “että”:
– tuntea (to feel)
– nähdä (to see)
– kuulla (to hear)
– huomata (to notice)
Examples:
– Tunnen, että jokin on vialla. (I feel that something is wrong.)
– Näen, että hän on väsynyt. (I see that he is tired.)
– Kuulin, että he ovat tulossa. (I heard that they are coming.)
Practice and Application
To internalize the use of “että,” it’s crucial to practice by creating your own sentences. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Combining Sentences
Combine the following pairs of sentences using “että”:
1. Hän sanoo. Hän ei pidä kahvista.
2. Me tiedämme. Hän on hyvä opettaja.
3. He ajattelevat. Se on tärkeää.
Answers:
1. Hän sanoo, että hän ei pidä kahvista. (He says that he does not like coffee.)
2. Me tiedämme, että hän on hyvä opettaja. (We know that she is a good teacher.)
3. He ajattelevat, että se on tärkeää. (They think that it is important.)
Exercise 2: Creating Sentences
Use “että” to create your own sentences based on the given prompts:
1. I believe that…
2. She heard that…
3. We noticed that…
Possible Answers:
1. Uskon, että hän tulee pian. (I believe that he will come soon.)
2. Hän kuuli, että he ovat kaupungissa. (She heard that they are in town.)
3. Huomasimme, että se oli suljettu. (We noticed that it was closed.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Like any aspect of language learning, using “että” correctly can come with its challenges. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Incorrect Word Order
In Finnish, the word order in subordinate clauses can be tricky for learners. Remember that the verb usually comes after the subject in subordinate clauses introduced by “että.”
Incorrect: Hän sanoi, että tulee hän.
Correct: Hän sanoi, että hän tulee. (He said that he is coming.)
Incorrect Tense Agreement
Ensure that the tense in the subordinate clause appropriately matches the context provided by the main clause.
Incorrect: Hän sanoi, että hän tulee eilen.
Correct: Hän sanoi, että hän tuli eilen. (He said that he came yesterday.)
Forgetting the Negative Form
When negating the subordinate clause, don’t forget to use the appropriate form of “ei” before the verb.
Incorrect: Hän sanoi, että hän tule.
Correct: Hän sanoi, että hän ei tule. (He said that he is not coming.)
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “että” (that) in Finnish is a significant step towards fluency. This conjunction allows you to combine sentences and express more complex thoughts, making your communication more effective and nuanced. By understanding its functions, practicing regularly, and being mindful of common mistakes, you can confidently use “että” in your Finnish conversations.
Remember, language learning is a journey, and every new structure you master brings you closer to your goal. So keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the process of becoming proficient in Finnish!
