Learn Basic Finnish Phrases for Beginners

Welcome to your first steps in learning Finnish! Whether you're living in Finland, planning to visit, or just curious about the language, this guide will help you get started with essential everyday expressions.

How to learn Finnish as a Beginner

Finnish may look unfamiliar at first, but don’t worry! Many people find it logical and beautiful once they get the hang of it. These basic phrases will help you say hello, ask for help, shop, and navigate daily life with more confidence.

👉 How to use this page:

• Practice pronouncing each phrase out loud
• Try using them in daily life (grocery store, bus, etc.)
• Save this page to review often!

👋 Greetings and Introductions

Use these phrases when meeting new people, greeting someone, or introducing yourself. They're perfect for everyday conversations with Finns!

 

Finnish	English
Hei! / Moi!	Hi! / Hello!
Hyvää huomenta	Good morning
Hyvää päivää	Good day
Hyvää iltaa	Good evening
Näkemiin / Hei hei	Goodbye
Kiitos	Thank you
Ole hyvä	You’re welcome / Here you go
Anteeksi	Excuse me / I’m sorry
Kuinka voit?	How are you?
Hyvin, kiitos	Fine, thank you
Mikä sinun nimesi on?	What is your name?
Minun nimeni on...	My name is...
Hauska tutustua	Nice to meet you

Note that you can drop the word hyvää (“good”) from any of the above phrases! For example, you could just say Päivää (“Good day”) instead! 

• Haloo (“Hello”) – used when answering the phone

🛒 At the Store

Here are useful phrases to help you when shopping. You can use them to ask about prices, find items, or get help in a store.

Finnish	English
Paljonko tämä maksaa?	How much is this?
Missä on kassa?	Where is the checkout?
Haluaisin ostaa tämän	I’d like to buy this
Onko teillä…?	Do you have…?
Tarvitsen apua	I need help

🚍 Getting Around

If you're using public transportation or trying to find your way, these phrases will be very helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions!

Finnish	English
Missä on bussipysäkki?	Where is the bus stop?
Mihin tämä bussi menee?	Where does this bus go?
Voinko maksaa kortilla?	Can I pay by card?
Kuinka paljon lippu maksaa?	How much is the ticket?
Olen eksynyt	I’m lost

🏥 At the Doctor or Hospital

Use these phrases when visiting a doctor, pharmacy, or hospital. It’s important to be able to explain symptoms or ask for help in Finnish.

Finnish	English
Minulla on kipua	I have pain
Tarvitsen lääkärin	I need a doctor
Missä on apteekki?	Where is the pharmacy?
Olen allerginen...	I’m allergic to…
Minulla on kuumetta	I have a fever

🏠 Everyday Phrases

These are simple, useful expressions for daily use — when talking to neighbors, asking questions, or responding politely.

Finnish	English
Kyllä / Ei	Yes / No
En ymmärrä	I don’t understand
Puhutko englantia?	Do you speak English?
Vähän	A little
Voitko toistaa?	Can you repeat?
Hitaammin, kiitos	Slower, please

📌 Tip: Try using these phrases at the grocery store, bus station, or when meeting new people. Every small effort helps you get better! 💪

In this guide, we have covered lots of Finnish beginner phrases for a variety of situations, from meeting and greeting to shopping and asking for help. This should help you navigate the most commonplace situations and give you a good foundation to build on!