Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to Finnish, a language known for its unique structure and vocabulary. Finnish is a member of the Uralic language family, which makes it quite different from the Indo-European languages most English speakers are familiar with. This uniqueness, however, also makes learning Finnish a particularly rewarding experience. To help you get started on your journey, we’ve compiled a list of 50 essential words you need to know at the A1 level. These words cover basic categories such as greetings, numbers, common verbs, and everyday nouns. By familiarizing yourself with these words, you will have a solid foundation upon which to build your Finnish language skills.

Greetings and Basic Phrases

1. Hei – Hello
2. Moi – Hi
3. Hyvää huomenta – Good morning
4. Hyvää päivää – Good day
5. Hyvää iltaa – Good evening
6. Hyvää yötä – Good night
7. Näkemiin – Goodbye
8. Kiitos – Thank you
9. Ole hyvä – You’re welcome
10. Anteeksi – Sorry / Excuse me

Greetings and basic phrases are essential for any beginner. They help you start conversations and show politeness, which is crucial when interacting with native speakers.

Numbers

11. Yksi – One
12. Kaksi – Two
13. Kolme – Three
14. Neljää – Four
15. Viisi – Five
16. Kuusi – Six
17. Seitsemän – Seven
18. Kahdeksan – Eight
19. Yhdeksän – Nine
20. Kymmenen – Ten

Numbers are fundamental in daily life, whether you’re counting objects, telling time, or managing money.

Common Verbs

21. Olla – To be
22. Omistaa – To have
23. Tulla – To come
24. Mennä – To go
25. Tehdä – To do / To make
26. Nähdä – To see
27. Syödä – To eat
28. Juoda – To drink
29. Rakastaa – To love
30. Haluta – To want

Knowing basic verbs is key to forming sentences and expressing actions. These verbs are among the most frequently used in everyday conversation.

Everyday Nouns

People

31. Mies – Man
32. Nainen – Woman
33. Poika – Boy
34. Tyttö – Girl
35. Ystävä – Friend

Nouns related to people are incredibly useful for discussing relationships and social interactions.

Places

36. Koti – Home
37. Koulu – School
38. Kauppa – Shop
39. Ravintola – Restaurant
40. Pankki – Bank

Knowing the names of places helps you navigate your surroundings and ask for directions.

Common Objects

41. Puhelin – Phone
42. Auto – Car
43. Kirja – Book
44. Tuoli – Chair
45. Pöytä – Table

These common objects are things you encounter daily, making them essential for everyday communication.

Food and Drink

46. Vesi – Water
47. Maito – Milk
48. Leipä – Bread
49. Juusto – Cheese
50. Omena – Apple

Food and drink words are indispensable for grocery shopping, dining out, and discussing preferences.

Conclusion

By familiarizing yourself with these 50 essential words, you will be well on your way to mastering the basics of the Finnish language. These words form the foundation of everyday communication, allowing you to greet people, count objects, express actions, and talk about common things and places. As you continue to learn Finnish, you will build upon this foundation with more complex vocabulary and grammar, but these essential words will always remain a crucial part of your language toolkit.

Remember that learning a new language is a gradual process. Consistent practice, exposure to the language, and real-life usage will greatly enhance your learning experience. Whether you are planning a trip to Finland, wish to communicate with Finnish friends, or are simply interested in exploring a new language, these 50 words are a great starting point.

Happy learning, and hyvää matkaa (good journey) on your Finnish language adventure!