Kysytäänkö

Kysytäänkö is a Finnish phrase that translates directly to "Shall we ask?" or "Should we ask?". It is commonly used in spoken Finnish to initiate a question or to seek permission to ask something. The phrase implies a sense of politeness or consideration, as it suggests asking for the listener's agreement or readiness to receive a question.

The phrase is formed by the verb "kysyä" (to ask) in the third-person plural present tense form "kysytään" (it is asked, or one asks) combined with the interrogative particle "kö". This structure is typical for forming questions in Finnish, often indicating a suggestion or inquiry.

"Kysytäänkö" can be used in various social contexts. For example, if someone is unsure whether to interrupt or ask for information, they might say "Kysytäänkö?" before proceeding. It can also be used to gauge interest, as in "Kysytäänkö häneltä mielipidettä?" meaning "Shall we ask for his opinion?". The nuance of the phrase can vary slightly depending on the intonation and the surrounding conversation, but it generally conveys a polite and tentative approach to posing a question.