When traveling to Finland, knowing some basic Finnish vocabulary can greatly enhance your experience. Finnish might seem daunting at first due to its non-Indo-European roots, but a few essential words and phrases can go a long way. Here are some key vocabulary terms to help you navigate your way around Finland as a tourist.
Terve (Hello)
This is a friendly and informal greeting used at any time of the day.
Terve! Kuinka voit?
Näkemiin (Goodbye)
Use this phrase when parting ways with someone.
Näkemiin, nähdään huomenna!
Kiitos (Thank you)
An essential word in any language, expressing gratitude.
Kiitos avusta!
Ole hyvä (You’re welcome)
This is the response to “Kiitos” and can also be used to mean “please.”
Ole hyvä ja istu.
Kyllä (Yes)
A simple affirmation or agreement.
Kyllä, ymmärrän.
Ei (No)
To disagree or deny something.
Ei, en halua sitä.
Anteeksi (Sorry)
Used to apologize or get someone’s attention.
Anteeksi, missä on lähin wc?
Missä on…? (Where is…?)
Very useful when trying to locate places.
Missä on rautatieasema?
Paljonko tämä maksaa? (How much is this?)
Important when shopping or dealing with money.
Paljonko tämä maksaa?
Voinko saada…? (Can I have…?)
Useful for ordering food or asking for something.
Voinko saada kahvin, kiitos?
En ymmärrä (I don’t understand)
To let someone know you are having difficulty understanding.
En ymmärrä, voitko puhua hitaammin?
Puhutko englantia? (Do you speak English?)
Helpful in finding someone who can communicate with you in English.
Puhutko englantia?
Apua! (Help!)
Important for emergencies.
Apua, olen eksynyt!
Vessa (Toilet)
Essential to know in case you need to ask directions.
Missä on lähin vessa?
Hotelli (Hotel)
Helps you find your accommodation.
Missä on lähin hotelli?
Ravintola (Restaurant)
Useful when looking for a place to eat.
Voisitko suositella hyvää ravintolaa?
Menikö kaikki hyvin? (Is everything okay?)
Use this to check on services or in social interactions.
Menikö kaikki hyvin ruokailun kanssa?
Juoda (Drink)
Whether you’re ordering a drink or asking about one.
Haluaisin juoda kahvia.
Ruoka (Food)
Knowing this word can be useful in various contexts related to eating.
Onko ruoka valmis?
Lasku (Bill)
Use this to ask for the bill in a restaurant.
Voisinko saada laskun?
Kartta (Map)
Useful for navigating your way around.
Onko teillä karttaa kaupungista?
Aukioloajat (Opening hours)
Important to know when planning visits to museums, shops, etc.
Mitkä ovat museon aukioloajat?
Juna (Train)
For traveling between cities or areas.
Milloin seuraava juna lähtee Helsinkiin?
Bussi (Bus)
Another essential term for using public transportation.
Missä on lähin bussipysäkki?
Learning these basic Finnish phrases will not only help you in typical tourist situations but will also show your respect towards the Finnish culture and people. Finns appreciate when someone makes an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words. Enjoy your trip to Finland with these phrases at your fingertips!
