Finnish vs. Finish — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 11, 2024
"Finnish" refers to something from Finland, like the language or culture, while "finish" is a verb meaning to complete something or a noun referring to the end of an event or the surface quality of an object.
Difference Between Finnish and Finish
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Key Differences
"Finnish" pertains to the country of Finland, its people, language, or culture. It's an adjective used to describe anything related to this Nordic country. For example, Finnish design is well-known for its minimalism and functionality, and the Finnish language is part of the Finno-Ugric language group, distinct from the Indo-European languages that dominate much of Europe. On the other hand, "finish" can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to bring a task, activity, or event to an end. For instance, finishing a book implies reading it to the last page. As a noun, "finish" can refer to the end or conclusion of something, such as a race, or it can describe the surface quality of an object, indicating how smooth, polished, or treated it is.
The distinction is important in various contexts, especially in communication, where the intended meaning needs to be clear. For example, discussing Finnish history requires an understanding of Finland and its cultural heritage, whereas talking about the finish of a product involves its manufacturing quality or the final touches applied to its surface.
In educational or cultural studies, "Finnish" might be used to describe aspects of Finland's educational system, known for its high standards and innovative approaches. In manufacturing or crafts, "finish" could be a critical term describing the final processing steps that affect a product's appearance, feel, and quality.
Understanding the difference between "Finnish" and "finish" helps avoid confusion and ensures clarity in communication, whether discussing topics related to Finland or the completion and quality of various tasks and products.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Relating to Finland, its people, language, or culture
To complete something; the end of an event; surface quality of an object
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Category
Adjective (nationality, language, culture)
Verb (to complete); Noun (end or surface quality)
Examples
Finnish sauna, Finnish language, Finnish design
Finish a race, finish reading, smooth finish on wood
Usage
Describes nationality, cultural practices, or language
Describes completion of tasks or quality of surfaces
Contexts
Cultural studies, language education, international relations
Manufacturing, sports, literature, crafts
Compare with Definitions
Finnish
Pertains to people from Finland.
Finnish citizens are known for their love of nature.
Finish
To bring something to an end.
She aims to finish her novel by the end of the month.
Finnish
Known for minimalism and functionality.
Finnish design emphasizes simplicity and sustainability.
Finish
The end of an event or process.
The race had an exciting finish.
Finnish
The official language of Finland.
Finnish is a challenging language to learn for many.
Finish
Describes the final touches to an object's surface.
The carpenter ensured a smooth finish on the furniture.
Finnish
Refers to Finland's cultural practices and norms.
The Finnish tradition of sauna is popular worldwide.
Finish
Completing a goal or task.
Finishing the marathon was a significant achievement for him.
Finnish
Finland's education system is highly regarded.
Finnish schools foster independence and creativity in students.
Finish
The last part of a process.
The project is in the finish stage, with only minor tasks left.
Finnish
Of or relating to Finland or its people, language, or culture.
Finish
To stop (doing an activity or task) after reaching the point at which there is nothing left to do
Finished cleaning the room.
Finnish
The Finno-Ugric language of the Finns.
Finish
To bring to a required or desired state
Finish an assignment.
Finish a painting.
Finnish
Of or pertaining to Finland, to the Finns, or to their language.
Finish
To arrive at or attain the end of
Finish a race.
Finnish
The official language of Finland; belongs to the Baltic Finnic family of languages
Finish
(Sports) To perform the last maneuver in (an offensive play), scoring a goal.
Finnish
Of or relating to or characteristic of Finland or the people of Finland;
Finnish architecture
Finish
To consume all of; use up
Finish a pie.
Finished off the pizza.
Finish
To give (wood, for example) a desired or particular surface texture.
Finish
To bring about the ruin of
The stock market crash finished many speculators.
Finish
To come to an end; stop
A story that finishes with a twist.
Finish
To reach the end of a task, course, or relationship
The speaker finished with a rousing call to action.
Finish
(Sports) To score a goal as the last maneuver in a play
A good forward who just can't seem to finish.
Finish
The final part; the conclusion
Racers neck-and-neck at the finish.
Finish
The reason for one's ruin; downfall
Stealing the computer codes proved to be his finish.
Finish
The last treatment or coating of a surface
Applied a shellac finish to the cabinet.
Finish
The surface texture produced by such a treatment or coating.
Finish
A material used in surfacing or finishing.
Finish
Completeness, refinement, or smoothness of execution; polish.
Finish
The flavor left in the mouth after wine has been swallowed.
Finish
An end; the end of anything.
Finish
A protective coating given to wood or metal and other surfaces.
The car's finish was so shiny and new.
Finish
The result of any process changing the physical or chemical properties of cloth.
Finish
A finishing touch; careful elaboration; polish.
Finish
(sports) A shot on goal, especially one that ends in a goal.
Finish
(transitive) To complete (something).
Be sure to finish your homework before you go to bed!
Finish
(transitive) To apply a treatment to a surface or similar.
The furniture was finished in teak veneer.
Finish
(transitive) To change an animal's food supply in the months before it is due for slaughter, with the intention of fattening the animal.
Due to BSE, cows in the United Kingdom must be finished and slaughtered before 30 months of age.
Finish
(intransitive) To come to an end.
We had to leave before the concert had finished.
Finish
(transitive) To put an end to; to destroy.
These rumours could finish your career.
Finish
To reach orgasm.
Finish
To arrive at the end of; to bring to an end; to put an end to; to make an end of; to terminate.
And heroically hath finishedA life heroic.
Finish
To bestow the last required labor upon; to complete; to bestow the utmost possible labor upon; to perfect; to accomplish; to polish.
Finish
To come to an end; to terminate.
His days may finish ere that hapless time.
Finish
To end; to die.
Finish
That which finishes, puts an end to or perfects.
Finish
The joiner work and other finer work required for the completion of a building, especially of the interior. See Inside finish, and Outside finish.
Finish
The labor required to give final completion to any work; hence, minute detail, careful elaboration, or the like.
Finish
The result of completed labor, as on the surface of an object; manner or style of finishing; as, a rough, dead, or glossy finish given to cloth, stone, metal, etc.
Finish
Completion; - opposed to start, or beginning.
Finish
A decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance);
The boat had a metallic finish
He applied a coat of a clear finish
When the finish is too thin it is difficult to apply evenly
Finish
Designated event that concludes a contest (especially a race);
Excitement grew as the finish neared
My horse was several lengths behind at the finish
The winner is the team with the most points at the finish
Finish
The act of finishing;
His best finish in a major tournament was third
The speaker's finishing was greeted with applause
Finish
The place designated as the end (as of a race or journey);
A crowd assembled at the finish
He was nearly exhuasted as their destination came into view
Finish
The temporal end; the concluding time;
The stopping point of each round was signaled by a bell
The market was up at the finish
They were playing better at the close of the season
Finish
(wine tasting) the taste of a wine on the back of the tongue (as it is swallowed);
The wine has a nutty flavor and a pleasant finish
Finish
The downfall of someone (as of persons on one side of a conflict);
Booze will be the finish of him
It was a fight to the finish
Finish
A highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality;
They performed with great polish
I admired the exquisite refinement of his prose
Almost an inspiration which gives to all work that finish which is almost art
Finish
Come or bring to a finish or an end;
He finished the dishes
She completed the requirements for her Master's Degree
The fastest runner finished the race in just over 2 hours; others finished in over 4 hours
Finish
Finally be or do something;
He ended up marrying his high school sweetheart
He wound up being unemployed and living at home again
Finish
Have an end, in a temporal, spatial, or quantitative sense; either spatial or metaphorical;
The bronchioles terminate in a capillary bed
Your rights stop where you infringe upon the rights of other
My property ends by the bushes
The symphony ends in a pianissimo
Finish
Provide with a finish;
The carpenter finished the table beautifully
Finish
Finish eating all the food on one's plate or on the table;
She polished off the remaining potatoes
Finish
Cause to finish a relationship with somebody;
That finished me with Mary
Common Curiosities
Is Finnish hard to learn?
Finnish can be challenging due to its unique structure and vocabulary, which differ significantly from many other languages.
How is "Finnish" education system unique?
The Finnish education system is noted for its lack of standardized testing, emphasis on play and outdoor time, and teacher autonomy.
What are some Finnish customs?
Traditional Finnish customs include sauna sessions, celebrating Midsummer, and foraging for berries and mushrooms in the wild.
What does it mean to "finish strong" in sports?
To "finish strong" means to end a performance or competition with maximum effort and achievement, often overcoming fatigue.
What is a famous Finnish design brand?
Marimekko is a renowned Finnish design brand known for its bold patterns and colors.
How do you achieve a glossy finish on wood?
A glossy finish can be achieved by applying multiple layers of sealant or varnish and sanding between layers for smoothness.
Can "finish" refer to the taste of food or drink?
Yes, in tasting notes for food and beverages, especially wine, "finish" can describe the aftertaste or lingering flavors.
What is the significance of "finish" in manufacturing?
In manufacturing, the "finish" is crucial for the product's aesthetics, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Are there Finnish-speaking regions outside Finland?
Yes, there are Finnish-speaking communities in Sweden, Norway, and Russia, as well as among Finnish emigrants worldwide.
What determines the "finish" in a competitive race?
The "finish" in a race is determined by a designated end point, often marked by a finish line, where the race's conclusion is officially recorded.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
