I'm learning suomi

kahdeksan — meaning in English: eight

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for eight
soveliaisuus
koira
kanssa
tervehdys
kahdeksan
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Finnish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 'kahdeksan' in everyday conversations when counting objects, such as during shopping trips or while playing games. It can also be heard in educational settings, especially when teaching children basic numbers.
Synonyms & nuances
'Kahdeksan' is the standard term for the number eight in Finnish, whereas 'kahdeksas' refers specifically to the ordinal form, meaning 'eighth.' Use 'kahdeksan' when counting and 'kahdeksas' when describing positions in a sequence.
Culture
'Kahdeksan' is derived from the Proto-Finnic word 'kahdeks,' which itself has roots in Uralic languages. In Finnish culture, the number eight is considered lucky, as it symbolizes balance and harmony. Interestingly, the Finnish language's unique structure makes it one of the few languages where numbers are not just symbols, but imbued with a sense of rhythm when pronounced.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce kahdeksan?
'Kahdeksan' is pronounced as 'kah-dek-sahn.' Breaking it down, the 'kah' is like the 'ca' in 'cat,' the 'deks' rhymes with 'text,' and 'an' is pronounced like 'on' but with a nasal tone.
Q.What is the ordinal form of kahdeksan?
The ordinal form of 'kahdeksan' is 'kahdeksas,' which means 'eighth.' This form is used when describing the position of something in a sequence.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using kahdeksan?
A common mistake is using 'kahdeksan' in a context that requires its ordinal form, 'kahdeksas.' Make sure to choose the correct term based on whether you are counting or ranking.
Learn finnish with Maspeak →
Finnish Vocabulary