neljätoista — meaning in English: fourteen

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Guess the translation for fourteen

neljätoista

kissa

tuntea

matkailija

lounas

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neutral very common

Usage

Native Finnish speakers use the word 'neljätoista' in various everyday situations, such as when counting items or indicating time. For instance, you might hear 'neljätoista' during a casual conversation about age or when discussing the time on a clock, like saying it's fourteen minutes past three.

Synonyms & nuances

'Neljätoista' is quite specific in its meaning of fourteen, whereas 'kaksitoista' means twelve and 'kolmetoista' means thirteen. The subtlety lies in their numerical sequence and usage; you would choose 'neljätoista' when referring precisely to the number fourteen, such as in counting or indicating quantity.

Culture

'Neljätoista' is part of a unique counting system in Finnish that reflects the language's agglutinative nature. The word stems from the numbers 'neljä' (four) and 'toista' (ten), literally meaning 'four plus ten.' This structure is common in Finnish numbers and showcases the logical beauty of the language, making it easier for learners to understand how larger numbers are formed.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'neljätoista'?

'Neljätoista' is pronounced as 'nel-yah-toista.' Breaking it down can help non-native speakers get comfortable with the Finnish syllable structure.

Q.What is the origin of the word 'neljätoista'?

'Neljätoista' combines 'neljä' (four) and 'toista' (ten), showcasing the Finnish counting system. This structure is typical in Finnish, where numbers are built logically.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'neljätoista'?

A common mistake is confusing 'neljätoista' with 'kolmetoista' (thirteen). Remember that 'neljätoista' specifically refers to fourteen, so pay attention to the context in which you're using it.

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Finnish Vocabulary