30 Common Finnish Phrases for Tourists (and Cultural Tips on How to Use Them!)

Heading to Finland? Whether you’re exploring its stunning landscapes or mingling with locals, learning a few basic Finnish phrases will make your trip even more special. Even short interactions in Finnish can help you make a great impression and show respect for the culture. In this blog, we’re focusing on 35 common Finnish phrases, along with some tips on how to use them, so you can confidently navigate the beautiful country without any awkward moments.

→Sign Up Now: Free Trial Finnish Lesson With a Native Teacher!←

Let’s get started!

Everyday Finnish Greetings

1. Hei – Hello
2. 2. Hyvää huomenta – Good morning
3. Hyvää iltaa – Good evening
4. Näkemiin – Goodbye
5. Kiitos – Thank you

Greetings in Finland: Cultural Tip

In Finland, greetings are quick and straightforward, usually with a firm handshake and eye contact. Finns aren’t big on hugs or kisses when meeting—just a nod or a brief handshake will do the trick. If you’re meeting a couple, greet the wife first, unless it’s a formal setting. While friends might hug, physical gestures beyond a handshake are pretty rare, especially in rural areas. Keep it simple and respectful!

Common Finnish Phrases to Use at a Restaurant

6. Voinko saada ruokalistan, kiitos? – Can I have the menu, please?
7. Mitä suosittelet? – What do you recommend?
8. Onko teillä kasvisruokia? – Do you have vegetarian options?
9. Saisinko laskun, kiitos? – Can I get the bill, please?
10. Olen allerginen pähkinöille / maidolle. – I’m allergic to nuts / milk.

Dining in Finland: Cultural Tip

In Finland, lunch is usually between 11:00 and 13:00, and dinners at home are typically served around 17:00 or 18:00. Most restaurants start serving dinner from 18:00 onwards, but keep in mind that many places stop serving food about 45 minutes before closing. So, it’s always a good idea to check the kitchen hours when making a reservation. If you’re attending a Finnish dinner party, wait until everyone is served before eating. The host will likely propose a toast with “hyvää ruokahalua” (bon appétit) to get things started!

When it comes to tipping, it has never really been a big part of Finnish culture. This likely stems from a tradition of frugality rooted in religion, and nowadays, the simple reason is that the price already includes any extra service or politeness – essentially, “service is included.” That said, tipping does happen in Finland, and while no one will complain if you leave a tip, very few will be bothered if you don’t.

Common Finnish Phrases for Shopping

11. Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa? – How much does this cost?
12. Onko teillä tätä toisessa koossa? – Do you have this in another size?
13. Voinko palauttaa tämän? – Can I return this?
14. Ovatko nämä alennuksessa? – Are these on sale?
15. Voinko maksaa kortilla? – Can I pay by card?

Shopping in Finland: Cultural Tip

Shopping in Finland can be budget-friendly if you know where to go. Flea markets are a big part of Finnish culture, offering second-hand goods that help you save money while embracing sustainability. For groceries, Lidl and S-Market are popular choices due to their affordable prices and weekly discounts. If you time your visit right, many supermarkets also offer steep discounts on items close to their “best before” dates—especially during the last hour before closing.

If you’re looking for high-quality, locally made products, Finland has plenty to offer. Finnish brands are known for their sustainability and ethical production, with options ranging from food to cosmetics. You can also score deals during Black Friday or other sale events, where even more expensive items like electronics or cosmetics go for a lower price.

Common Finnish Phrases for Socializing

16. Mikä sinun nimesi on? – What’s your name?
17. Miten menee? – How’s it going?
18. Voinko liittyä seuraan? – Can I join you?
19. Haluaisitko kahvia? – Would you like some coffee?
20. Kiva tavata! – Nice to meet you!

Socializing in Finland: Cultural Tip

Making friends with Finns can be a bit tricky since many already have established social circles and value their personal time. Finns are also less likely to engage in small talk, so asking open-ended questions can help start deeper conversations. They tend to be reserved, and building friendships takes time—don’t expect instant connections, but once you’re in, Finns are loyal and lasting friends.

The best places to meet Finns are through shared hobbies, at work, or at school. Joining a hobby group or club is a great way to find like-minded people. If invited for coffee or an activity like hiking or sports, it’s a sign that you’re becoming closer. Finns may seem reserved at first, but don’t be discouraged—patience and persistence will help you form lasting bonds!

Common Finnish Slang Words

21. Ebin – Refers to something epic or an “epic win,” often used humorously by younger people.
22. Stadi – Helsinki (comes from the Swedish word “stad,” meaning city).
23. Spora – Tram (commonly used by people in Helsinki).
24. Ny rillataan – “Now we barbecue,” often used in sports, especially hockey, to mean “we’re going to defeat our opponent.”
25. Massi – Cash or money.

Finnish Slang: Cultural Tip

Finnish slang is mostly used by younger people or in casual settings, so it’s best saved for informal conversations with friends. You’ll often hear it in big cities like Helsinki, especially words like Stadi and Spora. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time—Finns will appreciate your effort, but just make sure to keep it light and fun. Slang words are rarely used in formal settings, so stick to using them when hanging out or during casual chats!

Common Finnish Curse Words

26. Hitto – A mild curse meaning “damn.” It’s not too strong, so you’ll hear it often in everyday situations, used when something goes wrong or is frustrating. It’s a good starter curse word for learners as it’s relatively inoffensive.
27. Paska – This word means “shit” and is used to describe something unpleasant or disappointing. For example, if you’ve had a bad day, you might say “Tämä on ihan paska” (This is total crap). It’s commonly used but still considered somewhat strong.
28. Perse – Literally translates to “ass.” It’s not too offensive and can be used to describe something that’s really bad. For example, “Tämä on perseestä” means “This is from the ass!” which translates more to “This is awful!” in English.
29. Helvetti – Meaning “hell,” this is another mild curse. It’s used similarly to “damn” or “hell” in English, often said in frustration or annoyance. It’s not as strong as some other curse words, making it a safe choice in casual conversations.
30. Hiisi – This is a softer alternative to “hell,” often used to express mild frustration, like “hitto.” You might also hear “painu hiiteen”, meaning “go to hell,” but it’s generally not too harsh.

Finnish Curse Words: Cultural Tip

Learning curse words can actually be a fun way to bond with locals! Exchanging curse words with Finnish friends (in both your language and theirs) is a great icebreaker and can lead to lots of laughs. Just be sure to save this kind of exchange for people you’re already comfortable with, as using curse words too early might not give the best impression. Keep it playful but respectful!

→Sign Up Now: Free Trial Finnish Lesson With a Native Teacher!←

Learning a few Finnish phrases can make a big difference during your trip, helping you feel more connected and confident in everyday interactions. If you’re looking to improve your Finnish, Language Trainers can help! We work with native-speaking teachers who are committed to providing personalized learning experiences through face-to-face Finnish courses as well as online lessons. Our tutors adapt their approach and materials based on your needs, interests, and learning style, ensuring you get the most out of every lesson. Contact Language Trainers today and start your journey to mastering Finnish with a course designed just for you!