et / ku / mut / sit
Spoken Linking Words
In spoken Finnish (puhekieli), common linking words like 'että', 'kun', and 'mutta' are shortened to 'et', 'ku', and 'mut'. These forms are universal in conversation and help maintain a natural, fast rhythm.
How It Works
Spoken Finnish is characterized by apocope, which is the dropping of final vowels or syllables to make speech more efficient. These shortened forms are the standard for the spoken register.
Key Reductions:
- et (from että): Used to introduce 'that' clauses.
- ku (from kun or kuin): Replaces 'when', 'than', and often koska (because) in spoken Finnish.
- mut (from mutta): The standard spoken way to say 'but'.
- sit / sitte (from sitten): Means 'then' or 'afterwards'.
- vaik (from vaikka): Means 'although' or 'even though'.
Dialectal Notes:
While et, ku, mut, and sit are nearly universal, other reductions like ny (from nyt) and kyl (from kyllä) are more common in Western dialects and Helsinki slang; Eastern dialects often retain the full forms.
Phonological Behavior:
In fast speech, these words often link to the following word. Note that et (that) is a homonym with the negative verb et (you don't), but they are easily distinguished by their position in the sentence.
Examples (6)
- Mä luulen, et se tulee huomenna.
I think that he/she is coming tomorrow.
Word by Word: I think, that it comes tomorrow.
Here 'et' replaces the formal 'että' to introduce a subordinate clause.
- Olin kipee, mut tulin kyl töihin.
I was sick, but I surely [did] come to work.
Word by Word: I was sick, but I came surely to works.
Uses 'mut' (mutta) and 'kyl' (kyllä) for a natural spoken rhythm.
- Tuu ny jo, sit me voidaan lähtee!
Come now already, then we can leave!
Word by Word: Come now already, then we can leave!
Demonstrates 'ny' (nyt) and 'sit' (sitten) in a command context.
- Sä oot isompi ku mä.
You are bigger than me.
Word by Word: You are bigger than I.
In this comparison, 'ku' replaces the formal 'kuin'.
- Vaik se on kallis, mä ostan sen.
Even though it's expensive, I'll buy it.
Word by Word: Although it is expensive, I buy it.
'Vaik' is the spoken reduction of 'vaikka' (although/even though).
- En tullu ku väsytti.
I didn't come because I was tired.
Word by Word: Not I come because tired (it).
In this context, 'ku' acts as a replacement for 'koska' (because).
Common Mistakes
Using spoken forms in formal writing.
Hyvä opettaja, kirjoitan et...Hyvä opettaja, kirjoitan että...Shortened forms like 'et' and 'mut' should never be used in formal emails, essays, or exams; they are strictly for speech and casual messaging.
Mixing a written verb form with spoken forms, and leaving out the comma.
Mä sanoin et sä et tule.Mä sanoin, et sä et tuu.With spoken 'mä' and 'sä', the verb is spoken too: 'tuu', not 'tule'. A comma still goes before 'et' (that). Do not mix up the two 'et': in 'sä et tuu' the second one is the negative verb.
Over-relying on 'koska' in casual speech.
Different MeaningEn tullut koska satoi.En tullu ku sato.While not grammatically 'wrong', using the full 'koska' in a casual conversation can sound stiff or overly formal compared to the natural 'ku'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand spoken conjunctions, you first need to know the standard Finnish conjunctions and time adverbs they are derived from. Additionally, being familiar with the general patterns of spoken Finnish, such as pronoun shortening, helps in recognizing why these words are abbreviated.
- ja / mutta / taiBasic Conjunctions
The spoken forms 'mut' and 'et' are direct reductions of the standard conjunctions 'mutta' and 'että', so understanding the standard versions is essential.
Level 1 - nyt / tänään / huomennaBasic Time Words
The spoken forms 'ny' and 'sit' are reductions of 'nyt' and 'sitten', which are fundamental time adverbs.
Level 1 - mä / sä / se / me / te / neSpoken Pronouns
Spoken conjunctions are part of the broader colloquial register (puhekieli); familiarity with spoken pronouns provides the necessary context for how words are shortened in speech.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Written vs Spoken Finnish
Provides the broader context of how Finnish differs between written and spoken registers.
Level 3 - tuun / meen / en tiiäEveryday Spoken Verb Forms
Spoken linking words are part of the same phonological reduction process as spoken verb forms.
Level 1 - ettäThat-Clause (Että)
The formal version of 'et'.
Level 2 - kunWhen (Kun)
The formal version of 'ku' when it means 'when'.
Level 2 - kuinComparing with Kuin
The formal version of 'ku' when used for comparisons.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice et / ku / mut / sit in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Finnish lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
