When you visit Finland, learning a few simple Finnish phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Even though many Finns speak English fluently, using their language shows respect for their culture and creates a warmer connection.
It can also make everyday interactions feel more personal, whether you are ordering a coffee, asking for directions, or greeting someone on the street.
A few well-chosen words can open doors, spark smiles, and even lead to interesting conversations you might not have had otherwise. In this guide, you will learn ten useful phrases, how to use them in real situations, and simple pronunciation tips to help you sound more confident.
Why Learn Finnish Phrases Before Your Trip?
A few Finnish words can go a long way when you are exploring the country. They help you start conversations, make new friends, and handle small daily situations with ease, from asking for directions to ordering your favorite drink.
Learning these phrases also shows locals that you are making an effort to connect with their culture, which they truly appreciate.
It can turn a short interaction into a friendly exchange and make you feel more confident while travelling. Even if your pronunciation is not perfect, the effort itself often earns a smile and a warmer welcome.
Quick Reference Table: Finnish Phrases for Tourists
| Phrase (Finnish) | Meaning in English | When to Use |
| Hei / Moi | Hello / Hi | Greeting someone casually or formally |
| Kiitos | Thank you | Showing gratitude |
| Ole hyvä | You are welcome / Please | Offering something or responding politely |
| Anteeksi | Excuse me / Sorry | Getting attention or apologising |
| Missä on…? | Where is…? | Asking for directions |
| Paljonko maksaa? | How much does it cost? | Shopping or dining |
| Lasku, kiitos | The bill, please | Asking for the bill at a restaurant |
| Yksi kahvi, kiitos | One coffee, please | Ordering in a café |
| Puhutteko englantia? | Do you speak English? | When you need to switch to English |
| Tervetuloa | Welcome | Greeting someone warmly |
Top 10 Common Finnish Phrases for Tourists:
There are dozens of Finnish phrases that you can learn as a tourist. However, some of the top ones are discussed below:
1. Hei / Moi – Hello / Hi
These are the most common greetings in Finland. Hei is slightly more formal, while Moi is casual and friendly. Use Hei in shops, restaurants, and formal settings. Use Moi when meeting friends or in relaxed situations. Learning both gives you flexibility in different social settings.
Tip: Smile when you greet someone. A warm tone can make any word sound friendlier.
2. Kiitos – Thank You
Gratitude is universal. Saying Kiitos after receiving help, food, or directions will always be appreciated. You can also say Kiitos paljon for extra politeness, which means “thank you very much.” Using it often helps create a more pleasant travel experience.
Practical advice: Always thank shopkeepers, waiters, and bus drivers. It is part of Finnish politeness.
3. Ole hyvä – You Are Welcome / Please
This phrase works in two ways. When giving something to someone, say Ole hyvä. It also works as “please” in certain situations. For example, handing someone a ticket or passing a menu. It is a polite expression you will hear daily.
Example: If a waiter hands you your drink, they might say Ole hyvä.
4. Anteeksi – Excuse Me / Sorry
Anteeksi is a polite way to get someone’s attention or to apologize. Use it when you bump into someone or need to ask a stranger for help. It can make approaching people in public feel less awkward.
Tip: If you feel unsure about approaching someone in public, start with Anteeksi before asking your question.
5. Missä on…? – Where Is…?
This phrase is your best friend when visiting a new city. Add the place you are looking for at the end. For example:
- Missä on hotelli? – Where is the hotel?
- Missä on rautatieasema? – Where is the train station?
It is especially useful in smaller towns where signs may not always be in English.
Practical advice: Keep a small list of key locations in Finnish so you can insert them into this question.
6. Paljonko maksaa? – How Much Does It Cost
Use Paljonko maksaa when shopping, buying tickets, or ordering food. Finns will usually reply in numbers, so it is helpful to know basic numbers in Finnish too. It helps avoid confusion and makes transactions smoother.
Example: If you are at a market stall and see fresh berries, ask Paljonko maksaa? and the vendor will tell you the price.
7. Lasku, kiitos – The Bill, Please
When you finish your meal, simply say Lasku, kiitos to the waiter. In Finland, the bill is not usually brought automatically, so you need to ask for it. This small phrase saves you from waiting too long at the table.
Tip: Many Finns also pay at the counter, so you might hear the waiter tell you where to pay after you ask.
8. Yksi kahvi, kiitos – One Coffee, Please
This phrase is useful for ordering food or drinks. You can change the word kahvi to other items:
- Yksi tee, kiitos – One tea, please
- Yksi olut, kiitos – One beer, please
It is a simple structure that works in many ordering situations.
Practical advice: Finns love coffee. Ordering coffee is a great way to start small talk in a café.
9. Puhutteko englantia? – Do You Speak English
If your Finnish runs out, this phrase will help you. Most Finns speak English, especially in cities, but asking politely first is always appreciated. It also shows you are not assuming they must speak your language.
Example: After greeting someone, you can ask Puhutteko englantia? and then continue the conversation in English.
10. Tervetuloa – Welcome
You might hear this phrase when arriving at a hotel, restaurant, or someone’s home. It is also nice to use if you are meeting someone at the airport or greeting friends. Using it yourself can make the other person feel valued.
Tip: Pair it with a smile for a warmer welcome.
Summary
Learning a few Finnish phrases will make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and more personal. With just a handful of words, you can greet people, ask for directions, order food, and thank others with confidence.
These simple interactions can turn routine moments into friendly exchanges and help you connect with locals in a meaningful way. Even if you make small mistakes, most Finns will appreciate your effort and respond kindly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do I need to speak Finnish to travel in Finland?
No. Most Finns speak English very well, especially in cities and tourist spots, so you can travel without speaking Finnish. Still, knowing a few local phrases can make interactions warmer.
How hard is Finnish pronunciation for beginners?
Finnish has clear and consistent sounds, so with practice, it is not too difficult for beginners. Once you learn the basic rules, most words are spoken exactly as written.
Will locals correct me if I say something wrong?
Usually, they will understand your effort and may gently offer the correct word or pronunciation. Most people appreciate the attempt and respond with patience.
Are these phrases enough for a short trip?
Yes. These cover the most common situations for tourists in Finland. You can always learn a few extra words during your stay for fun.
Can I use these phrases in both cities and rural areas?
Yes. These phrases are useful everywhere in Finland. In rural areas, they can be even more helpful since English may not be spoken as often.
