pitää ääntä
Lemma: pitää ääntä
Translation: to make noise; to be noisy; to create a sound; to make a racket (verb phrase)
Etymology: This Finnish phrase combines two elements: 'pitää' (to keep, to hold, to maintain) and 'ääntä' (the partitive case of 'ääni', meaning 'sound' or 'voice'). Literally, it means 'to hold/keep sound'. The verb 'pitää' is a versatile Finnish verb with many uses, while 'ääni' relates to the Indo-European root that gave us English words like 'echo'.
Example Usage
Lapset pitävät ääntä pihalla.
The children are making noise in the yard.
Älä pidä niin kovaa ääntä, ihmiset nukkuvat.
Don't make so much noise, people are sleeping.
Radio piti ääntä koko yön.
The radio was making noise all night.
Naapurit pitivät ääntä myöhään illalla.
The neighbors were making noise late in the evening.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pitää' as 'to keep' and 'ääntä' as 'sound' – you're 'keeping sound going'
- The 'ää' in 'ääntä' sounds like someone making noise – 'ääääää!'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Finnish culture, which traditionally values quietness and personal space, 'pitää ääntä' can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, especially in contexts where silence is expected or appreciated, such as in libraries or during certain social situations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'pitää ääntä' means to make noise generally, 'pitää puheita' specifically means 'to give speeches'
Confused word:
Poliitikko piti puheita vaalikampanjan aikana.
The politician gave speeches during the election campaign.
Notes: Both phrases use the verb 'pitää' but with different objects that change the meaning completely.
Mnemonic: 'Puhe' means 'speech', so 'pitää puheita' is about formal speaking, not just any noise.
Explanation: 'Pitää ääntä' refers to making noise, while 'pitää hauskaa' means 'to have fun'
Confused word:
Pidimme hauskaa juhlissa.
We had fun at the party.
Notes: Making noise ('pitää ääntä') might be a result of having fun ('pitää hauskaa'), but they're distinct concepts.
Mnemonic: 'Hauska' means 'fun', so 'pitää hauskaa' is about enjoyment, not just creating sound.