How to use the Finnish words 'takia', 'takana' and 'takaisin'

I know a little man who always mixes up these three words! Here's the difference, in case he's not the only one:

takia = because of

• Minkä takia sinä otit sen? - Why did you take it? (minkä takia = miksi)
• Tämän takia siihen ei saanut koskea. - This is the reason (because of this) one wasn't supposed to touch it. 

takana = behind

• Minä olen täällä sohvan takana! - I'm here behind the sofa!
• En halua istua näin takana. - I don't want to sit so far behind.

(Notice that taakse is to behind and takaa is from behind.)

takaisin = back to a certain direction (the body part back is selkä)

• Anna se takaisin. - Give it back.
• Mennään takaisin kauppaan. - Let's go back to the store.
• Milloin sä tuut takaisin? - When will you be back?

Notice that if you want to say I'm back in Finnish, you have to use some other verb than just olla: 

• Olen tullut takaisin! - I have come back!
• Mä oon taas täällä! - I'm here again!

p.s. If you want to read more, Kielikello has a really good article about takaisin.

About the author of Random Finnish Lesson: 

My name is Hanna Männikkölahti. I am a professional Finnish teacher who gives private online lessons and simplifies books into easy Finnish. Please read more in www.linktr.ee/hannamannikkolahti and follow this blog, if you want to be the first one to know when I post something new.