How to use the Finnish word 'jos'

Jos means if and it's used quite similarly as in English:

• Tulen, jos ehdin. - I'll come if I'll have time.
• Tulisin, jos minulla olisi rahaa. - I'd come if I had money.
• Tuletko, jos tilaan pitsaa? - Will you come if I'll order some pizza?
• Jos uskaltaisin, irtisanoutuisin töistä ja muuttaisin metsään. - If I dared, I'd quit my job and move to a forest. 

However, you shouldn't use jos in indirect questions:

• Tiedätkö, jos hän tulee? - Do you know if he will come?
• Haluaisin kysyä, jos on vielä mahdollista ilmoittautua kurssille. - I'd like to know if it's still possible to sign up for the course. 

Instead of saying jos, add ko or kö to the verb:

• Tiedätkö, tuleeko hän? - Do you know if he will come?
• Haluaisin kysyä, onko vielä mahdollista ilmoittautua kurssille. - I'd like to know if it's still possible to sign up for the course. 

I know that many Finnish learners and even some Finns use jos in indirect questions, probably because it is so common in many other languages..  but now you know better!

Related posts:

• Jo-words
• Conjunctions in Finnish
• How to use ETTÄ 

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.