Oletetaan

Oletetaan is the passive present form of the Finnish verb olettaa, meaning to suppose or assume. It is used to express a provisional premise in formal or academic writing. The phrase is typically translated into English as “let us assume that” or “it is assumed that.” It introduces a hypothesis or starting point for argument, calculation, or proof.

In usage, you often see sentences beginning with “Oletetaan,” followed by a clause or equation: “Oletetaan, että x > 0.” This impersonal construction is common in mathematics, physics, economics, and logic, but is also found in theoretical prose. It signals that subsequent reasoning rests on the stated assumption rather than asserting it as fact.

Grammatical note: Oletetaan is the passive present form of olettaa; the subject is indefinite, so the statement does not assign agency. It contrasts with active forms like “Oletamme” (we assume) or “Oletan” (I assume). Other Finnish verbs with similar impersonal uses include otaksua (otaksutaan).

In translation, prefer “it is assumed that” or “let us assume that,” depending on context and tone. See also olettaa, otaksua, Finnish grammar, passive voice.