Finnish, a Finno-Ugric language, is spoken primarily in Finland. Unlike Indo-European languages, Finnish has a complex grammar system but a highly phonetic writing system, making pronunciation easier once the basics are understood. This lesson covers essential conversational phrases and questions in Finnish for a variety of contexts.

Greetings

• Hello – “Hei” / “Moi” (informal) / “Terve” (formal)
• Good morning – “Hyvää huomenta”
• Good afternoon – “Hyvää päivää”
• Good evening – “Hyvää iltaa”
• Good night – “Hyvää yötä”
• Goodbye – “Näkemiin”

Introducing Yourself or Others

• My name is [name]. – “Nimeni on [nimi].”
• This is [name]. – “Tämä on [nimi].”
• I am from [country]. – “Olen kotoisin [maasta].”
• I live in [city/place]. – “Asun [kaupungissa/paikassa].”

Asking for Directions or People

• Where is the [place]? – “Missä on [paikka]?”
• How do I get to [place]? – “Kuinka pääsen [paikkaan]?”
• Is this the way to [place]? – “Onko tämä tie [paikkaan]?”
• Can you show me on the map? – “Voitko näyttää minulle kartalla?”

Solving a Misunderstanding

• Sorry, I don’t understand. – “Anteeksi, en ymmärrä.”
• Can you please repeat that? – “Voisitko toistaa sen?”
• I mean… – “Tarkoitan…”
• What does [word] mean? – “Mitä [sana] tarkoittaa?”

Farewell Expressions

• See you later – “Nähdään myöhemmin”
• Take care – “Pärjäile”
• Have a good day – “Hyvää päivänjatkoa”

Travel and Dining

• I would like to book a room. – “Haluaisin varata huoneen.”
• Can I see the menu, please? – “Voinko saada ruokalistan?”
• I am vegetarian. – “Olen kasvissyöjä.”
• The bill, please. – “Lasku, kiitos.”

Shopping

• How much does this cost? – “Paljonko tämä maksaa?”
• Do you have this in another size? – “Onko tätä toisessa koossa?”
• I’m just looking, thanks. – “Katson vain, kiitos.”
• Can I pay by card? – “Voinko maksaa kortilla?”

Dating and Love

• You look beautiful. (to a woman) / You look handsome. (to a man) – “Näytät kauniilta.” / “Näytät komealta.”
• I miss you. – “Kaipaan sinua.”
• I love you. – “Rakastan sinua.”
• Would you like to go out with me? – “Haluaisitko lähteä kanssani ulos?”

Emergencies

• Help! – “Apua!”
• Call the police! – “Soita poliisi!”
• I need a doctor. – “Tarvitsen lääkärin.”
• Where is the nearest hospital? – “Missä on lähin sairaala?”

These phrases provide a foundation for basic communication in Finnish. Practice them regularly, listen to native speakers, and immerse yourself in the language through media and conversations to improve your understanding and fluency. Finnish pronunciation and grammar can be challenging, but consistency and practice will lead to progress.