What is the difference between 'vain' and 'vasta'?

Someone suggested this topic in another post. Kiitos ideasta! Vain is only. Vasta can mean many different things but usually is not until or not yet. It is also vihta, the thing in the sauna.

Vain

• Minulla on vain kaksi euroa. - I have only two euros. 
• Ei kiitos, en tarvitse apua. Minä vain katselen. - No thank you, I don't need any help. I'm just looking around. 
• Miksi sinulla on vain sukat jalassa? - Why are you wearing nothing but socks?

Notice that in spoken language, vain is often vaan:

• Mulla on vaan kaks euroo. - I have only two euros. (Don't mix it with the other vaan.)

Vasta

• Minulla on vasta kolme Muumimukia. -  I have only three Moomin mugs. (But I'm going to get more!)
• Oletko sinä vasta 30? - Are you only thirty years old?
• Tulin kotiin vasta neljältä. - I didn't come home until four o'clock.
• Miksi tänään on vasta maanantai eikä perjantai! - Why is it Monday today and not already Friday!

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. Follow this blog, if you want to be the first one to know when I post something new.  If you want to subscribe to my newsletter, you can do it here.