määrätä tullit

Translations

• to impose tariffs
• to set tariffs

Literal Translation

to order/command tariffs

Forms

Usage Notes

Usually used with a subject who has authority (government, president, etc.). The object 'tullit' is typically in the accusative case. Often followed by information about the percentage or amount of the tariff.

Etymology

Combines 'määrätä' (to order, command, determine) with 'tulli' (customs, tariff). In economic contexts, this collocation has a specific meaning of imposing trade tariffs.

Cultural Context

This phrase is commonly used in economic and political news reporting, especially when discussing international trade policies. The verb 'määrätä' has a sense of authority and decision-making that might not be obvious to learners.

• Think of 'määrätä' as 'making a rule' and tullit as 'tolls' - so it's like 'making a rule about tolls'
• Imagine a ruler (määrääjä) placing toll booths (tullit) at the border