Finnish verbs that are the same in present and past

Pay attention to these verbs, because sometimes it might be really confusing that they look the same when conjugated in positive present and past tenses. The list is actually quite long. Whenever there is an i before the infinitive ending, the verb conjugates (almost) the same way in present and past. The verbs are either verb type 1 or 2 verbs. Verb type 2 is always the same. With verb type 1 verbs, the only thing that makes a difference is the third person singular. In other cases, you'll just have to figure out the meaning from the context.

The present conjugation of tanssia:

• Minä tanssin - I dance
• Sinä tanssit  - You dance
• Hän tanssii - S/he dances
• Me tanssimme - We dance
• Te tanssitte  - You dance
• He tanssivat - They dance

The past tense conjugation of tanssia:

• Minä tanssin - I danced
• Sinä tanssit - You danced
• Hän tanssi  - S/he danced
• Me tanssimme  - We danced
• Te tanssitte - You danced
• He tanssivat - They danced

Here are some common verbs that behave the same way:

Verb type 1:

1. ehtiä - to have time to do something
2. etsiä - to look for, to search
3. miettiä - to think in order to find a solution
4. oppia - to learn
5. sopia - to agree, to be suit
6. tanssia - to dance
7. tutkia - to investigate, to research, to examine
8. uusia - to renew

Verb type 2: 

1. analysoida - to analyze
2. arvioida - to evaluate
3. imuroida - to vacuum
4. konsertoida - to have a concert
5. tupakoida - to smoke
6. uida - to swim
7. voida - to be able to

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.