kun
When (Kun)
Use kun to connect two events in time (when/while) or, in casual speech, to show cause (because).
How It Works
The word kun is one of the most common linking words in Finnish. Its primary role is to indicate time.
1. Time (When/While):
It can refer to the past, present, or future. In written Finnish, you must always place a comma between the kun-clause and the main clause. To specifically emphasize that two things happen at the same time, you can use the phrase samalla kun (at the same time as).
Example: Kun aurinko paistaa, olen iloinen. (When the sun shines, I am happy.)
2. Causal (Because/Since):
In spoken Finnish, kun is the most common way to say 'because', often replacing koska. In formal writing, kun is used to mean 'since' or 'as' primarily when the reason has a temporal connection. For pure cause-and-effect (e.g., 'I am wet because it is raining'), koska is the standard choice in formal registers.
Example: En tullut, kun oli kiire. (I didn't come because/since I was in a hurry.)
3. Spoken Form:
In everyday speech, kun is almost always shortened to ku. You will also see this in text messages and social media.
4. Important Distinction:
Do not confuse kun with milloin (the question word for 'when'). Use kun to link sentences, and milloin to ask for information.
Examples (4)
- Kun tulin kotiin, söin heti.
When I came home, I ate immediately.
Word by Word: When I-came home-to, I-ate immediately.
A standard past tense sentence where 'kun' sets the time for the main action.
- Soita minulle, kun olet valmis.
Call me when you are ready.
Word by Word: Call me-to, when you-are ready.
Using 'kun' to refer to a future moment.
- En tullut, ku olin kipee.
I didn't come 'cause I was sick.
Word by Word: Not I-come, 'cause I-was sick.
A colloquial example using the shortened 'ku' to mean 'because'.
- Onpa kiva, kun tulit!
It's so nice that you came!
Word by Word: Is-indeed nice, when you-came!
In some emotive contexts, 'kun' functions similarly to 'that'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'kun' to ask a question.
Kun juna lähtee?Milloin juna lähtee?'Kun' is only a conjunction. To ask 'When?', you must use 'milloin' or 'koska'.
Using 'kun' for comparisons instead of 'kuin'.
Hän on vanhempi kun minä.Hän on vanhempi kuin minä.In standard written Finnish, 'kuin' is used for 'than'. While they both sound like 'ku' in speech, they are distinct in writing.
Omitting the comma.
Tulen kun ehdin.Tulen, kun ehdin.Finnish grammar requires a comma to separate a subordinate clause (starting with kun) from the main clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'kun' (when/because) effectively, you should be comfortable with basic sentence structure and coordinating conjunctions. Since 'kun' is most commonly used to link two events in time, familiarity with the past tense (imperfect) is highly recommended to form natural sentences.
- ja / mutta / taiBasic Conjunctions
Understanding basic conjunctions is necessary before moving to subordinating conjunctions like 'kun'.
Level 1 - -i- (imperfektin tunnus)Past Tense with -i-
The conjunction 'kun' is frequently used to describe past events, making knowledge of the past tense essential for practical usage.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- milloinWhen (Milloin)
The question word for 'when', often confused with the conjunction 'kun'.
Level 1 - kuinComparing with Kuin
Used for 'than' or 'as'; sounds identical to 'kun' in spoken Finnish (ku).
Level 2 - koskaBecause (Koska)
The formal word for 'because', which 'kun' often replaces in casual speech.
Level 2 - kunnesUntil (Kunnes)
Means 'until', marking the endpoint of an action rather than just a point in time.
Level 3 - ennen kuinBefore (Ennen Kuin)
Means 'before'; note that it uses 'kuin' rather than 'kun'.
Level 3 - et / ku / mut / sitSpoken Linking Words
Covers the shortened spoken form 'ku' and other common linking words.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice kun in Bubblegum
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