Learning everyday expressions in a new language not only helps you communicate effectively but also allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the country. Finnish, a language spoken by about 5 million people, is known for its unique vocabulary and structure. Let’s explore some common Finnish phrases that you’ll often hear in daily conversation.

Hei is the Finnish equivalent of “Hello.” It’s a friendly, informal greeting that can be used at any time of the day.

Hei, miten menee? (Hello, how’s it going?)

Moi is another casual greeting, quite interchangeable with “Hei,” but can feel even more informal. It is often used among friends and peers.

Moi! Onpa kiva nähdä sinut! (Hi! It’s so nice to see you!)

Näkemiin means “Goodbye.” It’s a polite and formal way to take your leave from someone, used in both formal and informal settings.

Oli mukava tavata, näkemiin! (It was nice meeting you, goodbye!)

Kiitos is the Finnish word for “Thank you.” It’s an important phrase to express gratitude and is used extensively in Finnish culture.

Kiitos avustasi. (Thank you for your help.)

Anteeksi means “Sorry” or “Excuse me.” It can be used to get someone’s attention, apologize, or make your way through a crowd.

Anteeksi, voisitko auttaa minua? (Excuse me, could you help me?)

Kiitos hei translates to “Thanks, bye.” It is a friendly and casual way to end a conversation, combining thanks and goodbye in a single phrase.

Kiitos hei, nähdään huomenna! (Thanks, bye, see you tomorrow!)

Mitä kuuluu? This phrase means “How are you?” It’s a common question when inquiring about someone’s well-being.

Hei, mitä kuuluu? Olen kuullut, että olit sairas. (Hello, how are you? I heard you were sick.)

Hyvää huomenta means “Good morning.” It’s a polite way to greet someone in the morning hours.

Hyvää huomenta! Oletko jo juonut kahvia? (Good morning! Have you already had coffee?)

Hyvää iltaa signifies “Good evening.” This is a greeting used later in the day, typically after 6 PM.

Hyvää iltaa! Mitä olet suunnitellut illaksi? (Good evening! What have you planned for this evening?)

Hyvää yötä stands for “Good night.” This expression is used when parting for the night or before going to bed.

On ollut pitkä päivä. Hyvää yötä ja nuku hyvin! (It has been a long day. Good night and sleep well!)

Voitko puhua hitaammin? means “Can you speak more slowly?” This is incredibly useful for language learners who may need a little more time to understand spoken Finnish.

Anteeksi, voitko puhua hitaammin? En ymmärrä niin nopeasti. (Sorry, can you speak more slowly? I don’t understand that quickly.)

En ymmärrä translates to “I don’t understand.” A crucial phrase for anyone who might need clarification or when you do not comprehend what was said.

Voisitko toistaa, en ymmärrä. (Could you repeat that, I don’t understand.)

Puhutko englantia? This question means “Do you speak English?” It can be a lifesaver when you find yourself in a situation where your Finnish skills are not enough.

Anteeksi, puhutko englantia? Tarvitsisin apua. (Excuse me, do you speak English? I need some help.)

By familiarizing yourself with these everyday Finnish expressions, you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also enrich your cultural understanding, making every interaction a chance to learn and grow. Käytä näitä fraaseja rohkeasti – use these phrases boldly!