valmistaudu

Valmistaudu is a Finnish verb form meaning “get ready” or “prepare yourself.” It is the singular second-person imperative of the reflexive verb valmistautua, used to address one person directly and urge readiness.

grammatically, valmistaudu comes from valmistautua, the verb meaning to prepare oneself. The corresponding plural imperative is valmistautukaa, used when addressing more than one person. The form valmistaudu is common in spoken Finnish and in written instructions where a direct command is appropriate.

Usage and examples

Valmistaudu is widely used in everyday contexts, such as education, sports, work tasks, and safety instructions. Examples include: Valmistaudu kokeeseen huomenna. (Get ready for the exam tomorrow.) Valmistaudu harjoitukseen, joka alkaa pian. (Prepare yourself for the practice session that starts soon.) In formal or mixed contexts, softer alternatives may be used, such as ole valmiina or valmistautukaa, depending on the number of addressees and the desired tone.

Nuance and register

The imperative valmistaudu is straightforward and direct, suitable for admonitions, warnings, or clear instructions. In more polite or formal registers, speakers may opt for milder phrasing or passive constructions, particularly in written communication or when addressing groups of people.

See also

Valmistautua, valmistautua, and valmistautukaa are related terms within the Finnish verb system, all centered on the concept of preparation and readiness.