ajatella — meaning in English: to think

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

Guess the translation for to think

aika

eri

paita

ajatella

miksi

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 common

Usage

Native Finnish speakers often use 'ajatella' in everyday conversations when discussing opinions or contemplations. For instance, during a coffee break at work, a person might say, 'Mitä ajattelet tästä projektista?' ('What do you think about this project?'), indicating a need for input or reflection.

Synonyms & nuances

'Ajatella' is closely related to 'miettiä', which also means 'to think' but carries a connotation of pondering or considering something more deeply. You would choose 'ajatella' when expressing a general thought or opinion, whereas 'miettiä' might be more appropriate when discussing a complex issue or making a decision.

Culture

'Ajatella' is derived from the Finnish verb 'ajatus', which means 'thought'. This connection highlights the cultural emphasis on introspection and contemplation in Finnish society. The concept of thinking deeply is often celebrated in Finnish folklore, where wisdom and thoughtfulness are highly regarded traits.

FAQ

Q.What does 'ajatella' mean in English?

'Ajatella' translates to 'to think' in English, encompassing a range of meanings from having an opinion to considering something mentally.

Q.How do you conjugate 'ajatella' in Finnish?

'Ajatella' is a regular verb and is conjugated as follows: minä ajattelen (I think), sinä ajattelet (you think), hän ajattelee (he/she thinks), and so on.

Q.Is there a difference between 'ajatella' and 'uskoa'?

Yes, 'ajatella' means 'to think', while 'uskoa' means 'to believe'. 'Ajatella' is used for thoughts based on reasoning or opinion, whereas 'uskoa' is for convictions or beliefs.

Learn finnish with Maspeak →

Finnish Vocabulary