Useful phrases in Finnish

Everyone in Finland speaks English, although knowing a few phrases in Finnish always helps! I’ve been learning Finnish since a year now…although I can speak in 5 languages, I can confidently say that it is the most difficult language I’ve ever learnt! Still, here you go 🙂

The nicest thing about the Finnish language – known as Suomi – is that it is pronounced exactly as it is written. The main differences from English are that “e” is pronounced as “ey” and “y” is pronounced as “ue” (sort of, but it’s okay if you get it wrong!) and “g” is soft as in Lady Gaga and not as in giant.

 

Tervetuloa – Welcome

Terve – Formal hello

Hei – Slightly formal hello

Moi! – Casual hello

Morro! – Very casual, like Hi! between friends

Kiitos! – Thank you!

Isokiitos! – A big thank you!

Haluan… – I want…

Työnnä – Push

Vedä – Pull 

Beer – Olut

Moi moi or hei hei – Bye bye!