Want to sound friendly (and not like a robot) when learning how to say hello in Finnish?
Maybe you have heard some Finnish greetings before, but you are not sure when or how to actually use them. Or maybe you are hoping to make a great first impression in Finland without stumbling over the language or cultural norms. In the Finland language, hello can be said in many ways, with “Hei” and “Moi” being the most common.
The truth is, greetings in Finland are more than just words—they’re a reflection of respect, cultural warmth, and that famously calm Finnish personality. Sometimes, a simple “hello” can open doors, spark meaningful conversations, or even turn strangers into lifelong friends.
If you’d like to explore more about Finland’s culture, traditions, and national symbols, visit Finland Flag for guides and insights that bring the country closer to you.
In this article, I’ll tell you how to say hello in Finnish with the most common greetings and when to actually use them, the right etiquette, and cultural tips to help you say “hello” like a local. Make sure to read till the end, especially if you want to talk like a Native Finn!
How to Say Hello in Finnish: Simple & Common Greetings:
In Finnish, you can say hello by using “Moi” or “Hei” for casual greetings, and “Hyvää päivää” for a more formal hello.
- Hei (pronounced like “hay”) is the most common greeting. It is friendly, polite, and used in casual or formal settings. You can say it to anyone, from your neighbor to a colleague.
- Moi (sounds like “moy”) is informal and popular among friends and younger people. It is casual and relaxed. You might also hear Moi moi, a way to say goodbye.
- Terve (pronounced “ter-veh”) is polite and a bit more formal. You can use it at work or in semi-formal situations.
- “Hyvää päivää” means “Good day” in Finnish and is used as a polite, formal way to say hello.
Examples:
- Hei! – Hi!
- Moi! – Hey! (informal)
- Terve! – Hello! (polite)
- Hyvää päivää – for a more formal hello.
Imagine this: You enter a café and say, “Hei! Yksi kahvi, kiitos” (Hi! One coffee, please). It is easy, right? Finns appreciate simple and clear greetings.
Pronunciation tip: Finnish is mostly phonetic. So, say words just like they sound. No tricky silent letters, which makes it easier than many other languages.
Formal & Time-Specific Greetings:
Finns also have greetings that depend on the time of day and the level of formality.
- Hyvää huomenta (hoo-vah hoo-men-tah) means Good morning. You can use it before noon in formal or polite situations.
- Hyvää päivää (hoo-vah pie-vah) means Good day. This phrase is polite and the best that you can use during the day.
- Hyvää iltaa (hoo-vah ill-tah) means Good evening. You can use it after late afternoon or in evening settings.
You will usually hear these greetings on formal occasions or when meeting someone for the first time.
Mini dialogue example:
- You: Hyvää huomenta!
- Stranger: Hyvää huomenta! Miten menee? (Good morning! How is it going?)
- You: Hyvin, kiitos. Entä sinulla? (Good, thanks. And you?)
Using these greetings shows respect and good manners, which are important in Finnish culture.
Cultural Etiquette When Greeting Finns:
Finns are known for being polite but reserved. When greeting:
- In formal or work situations, Finnish people usually do a firm but quick handshake. If you squeeze too hard or too soft, it might feel strange.
- Making eye contact is appreciated. It shows honesty and that you are paying attention.
- Personal space is important. Finns like to keep a comfortable distance and don’t usually like unnecessary touching.
- Unlike some cultures, Finns do not hug or kiss on the cheek when meeting for the first time.
- Don’t expect much small talk during greetings. A quick hello followed by a pause is normal and shows respect.
For example, when you say “Hei” to a Finn, expect a similar response and perhaps a nod or smile, but don’t expect a long chat right away.
These simple but important etiquette rules help you avoid awkward moments and show you respect Finnish social norms.
Common Responses & Conversation Starters:
After saying hello, you might hear “Mitä kuuluu?” which means “How are you?”
Unlike some places where it is just a polite formality, Finns often expect an honest answer. You can keep it short or share how you really feel.
Common responses include:
- Hyvin, kiitos! (Good, thanks!)
- Ei hassummin. (Not bad.)
- Vähän väsynyt, mutta muuten hyvin. (A bit tired, but otherwise good.)
Other friendly phrases include:
- Hauska tavata! (Nice to meet you!)
- Kiitos, samoin! (Thanks, likewise!)
Mini dialogue example:
- You: Hei! Mitä kuuluu?
- Finn: Hyvin, kiitos! Entä sinulla?
- You: Ihan hyvää, kiitos.
Replying honestly and naturally helps you build trust and deeper connections.
Regional Ways to Say Hello in Finnish:
Finnish greetings can be changed depending on the region and the age group.
- Heippa (sounds like “hey-pah”) is a casual, playful way to say hello or goodbye.
- Moikka or Moro are friendly, informal greetings common among young people or close friends.
- In some parts of Finland, people may say “Päivää” as a short form of “Hyvää päivää.”
Older generations often prefer more formal greetings, while younger Finns enjoy these relaxed, fun variations. Formal greetings are often used in workplaces, official meetings, or when addressing someone you don’t know well. For example, “Hyvää päivää” means “Good day” and shows respect in formal situations. If you’re visiting Finland and want to expand your vocabulary beyond greetings, check out our guide to common Finnish phrases for tourists.
Non-Verbal Greeting Tips:
Finns communicate a lot without words. When greeting:
- A simple nod or smile is often enough if words are not exchanged.
- Eye contact shows you are engaged and sincere.
- Casual waves work for informal goodbyes or greetings at a distance.
- In more private settings, such as a sauna (a Finnish cultural staple), greetings are quiet and respectful, with no loud chatter.
- Respecting personal space is vital. Avoid standing too close or unnecessary touching.
Remember, Finnish culture values calmness and respect for privacy, so keep your body language gentle and polite.
Summary Table of Finnish Greetings:
| Greeting | Usage Context | Formality Level | Pronunciation Tip |
| Hei | Everyday casual or formal | Neutral | “Hay” |
| Moi / Moikka | Friends, informal | Informal | “Moy” |
| Terve | Polite, workplace | Semi-formal | “Ter-veh” |
| Hyvää huomenta | Morning formal greeting | Formal | “Hü-vää huo-men-ta” |
| Hyvää päivää | Daytime formal greeting | Formal | “Hü-vää päi-vää” |
| Hyvää iltaa | Evening formal greeting | Formal | “Hü-vää il-taa” |
Final Thoughts:
In Finland, a good greeting is all about being polite and keeping it simple. You do not need to memorize dozens of phrases or sound like a native. Just learning a few basic greetings and understanding Finnish etiquette can make a huge difference.
By understanding the basics of Finnish etiquette and learning how to greet in Finnish, you’ll make a great impression and connect better with locals.
In fact, Finland ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and one reason is the deep respect people show each other in everyday life, even in small greetings.
So next time when you meet a Finn, greet them with a confident Hei! or a polite Hyvää päivää. Remember, it is not just about the words but the respect behind them. Practice these greetings, and you will find doors opening, literally and figuratively!
