Voida

Translations

1. (auxiliary + first infinitive) can, to be able to, to be capable

   Synonyms: kyetä, pystyä, (in the past tense) saattaa

   tehdä voitavansa ― to do what one can, to do one's best

   En voinut olla nauramatta.

   I couldn't help laughing.

2. (auxiliary + first infinitive) can, may, might, to be possible

   Synonym: saattaa

   Teline voi kaatua.

   The stand/rack may fall over.

3. (auxiliary + first infinitive, in the conditional mood) could

   Voisitko auttaa minua?

   Could you please help me?

   Voisin juosta, jos haluaisin.

   I could run if I wanted.

4. (auxiliary + first infinitive, see usage notes) may, to be allowed (to), to be permitted (to)

   Synonym: saada

   Voinko avata ikkunan?

   May I open the window?

5. (auxiliary + first infinitive) can, to be acceptable, appropriate or justified (to); (with negative) should, must (not)

   Synonym: sopia

   Voiko tälläistä kysyä?

   Can I ask something like this?

   Sen vaikutusta ei voi vähätellä.

   Its effect should not be underestimated.

   Hänen rooliaan perheen hyvinvoinnin edistämisessä ei voi myöskään aliarvioida.

   Neither should her role in improving the family's wellbeing be belittled.

6. (intransitive) to be, feel, do, fare (to enquire or talk about wellbeing)

   Kuinka voitte?

   How are you? / How are you doing?

   En voi kovin hyvin.

   I'm not feeling too well.

Conjugations

Indicative Conjugations

The present, imperfect, perfect, and pluperfect (past perfect) tenses in English correspond to "speaks", "spoke", "has spoken", and "had spoken".

Conditional Conjugations

The conditional present and perfect moods in English typically correspond to "would" and "would have".