The use of voi

Herra Smithin poika ei voi hyvin tänään. (Herra Smith’s boy is not well today).

Doesn’t “voi” mean “can”? Is it also possible to use “voi” as “be” verb?

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Yes, “voi” can mean “can”, depending on the context. It comes from the verb “voida”, which has many possible translations (VOIDA suomesta englanniksi - Ilmainen Sanakirja (suomi-englanti)).

I don’t think it would be useful to try to use “voida” where you would normally use “be”, this is a particular case. If it’s followed by another verb, it will generally mean something closer to “can”.

Thanks for the explanation!

When making a negative statement, I learned that you use ‘stem word’ after ‘ei’. I guess it’s the same here…

But anyway, could you provide more explanation about this particular case? I would like to know more about what this ‘voi’ is doing in this sentence. … Although the translation seems to say it is, the ‘voi’ here is not ‘be’ either, is it?

Also can I say ‘Herra Smithin poika ei ole hyvin tänään’ too?

“Herra Smithin poika ei ole hyvin tänään” certainly sounds wrong to me, I would definitely stick with using “voida” in this context.

The use of “voi” could have perhaps been more accurately translated as “feel” in this case. “Herra’s Smith’s boy is not feeling well today.” It didn’t occur to me to do that because, to me, both translations are the same (in English).

Hope that helps! :slight_smile:

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