pitää puheensa
Lemma: pitää puheensa
Translation: to keep one's word; to deliver one's speech; to fulfill one's promise (phrase)
Etymology: This phrase combines 'pitää' (to keep, to hold) and 'puheensa' (one's speech/word). 'Pitää' comes from Proto-Finnic *pitädäk, related to concepts of holding or maintaining. 'Puhe' (speech, talk) derives from Proto-Finnic *puhe. The phrase has a dual meaning depending on context: literally delivering a prepared speech, or figuratively keeping a promise that was verbally made.
Example Usage
Hän piti puheensa ja maksoi velkansa ajallaan.
He kept his word and paid his debt on time.
Presidentti piti puheensa kansalle kriisitilanteessa.
The president delivered his speech to the nation during the crisis.
Luotan häneen, koska hän aina pitää puheensa.
I trust him because he always keeps his word.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'pitää' as 'to keep' (like 'keeping' something in your hand) and 'puheensa' as 'speech/word' - together they mean keeping what you've spoken.
- Imagine 'pitching' (pitää) your speech (puheensa) - either by delivering it or by keeping your word.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Finnish culture, keeping one's word ('pitää puheensa' in the sense of fulfilling a promise) is highly valued. The phrase reflects the cultural importance placed on reliability and honesty in Finnish society. When used in the context of delivering a speech, it's a common expression in formal settings like politics, business, or academic environments.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'pitää puheensa' means to keep one's word or to deliver one's speech, 'pitää puhetta' means to give a speech in general, not specifically one's prepared speech.
Confused word:
Hän piti puhetta tunnin ajan.
He gave a speech for an hour.
Notes: The distinction is subtle but important: 'pitää puheensa' often implies fulfilling a commitment, while 'pitää puhetta' is simply the act of speaking publicly.
Mnemonic: 'Puheensa' has the possessive suffix '-nsa' (his/her/its), indicating it's specifically about one's own speech or promise, while 'puhetta' is just 'a speech' in general.