Language

The main language in Finland is suomi (Finnish). Other official langugages are ruotsi (Swedish), mainly spoken in coastal areas and saame (Sami), spoken in Northern Lapland.

Finnish people learn foreign languages at school, so expect most people to speak English, either fluently or pretty well.

Commonly used Finnish words and phrases

With these words and phrases you will get pretty far. Finns appreciate any attempt of using the language, so don't worry about pronunciation.

Hei = Hello/Hi

Hei hei = Bye

Moi = Hi/Hello/Bye

Huomenta = Good morning

Hyvää päivää = Good afternoon

Hyvää yötä = Good night

Hyvää iltaa = Good evening

Kiitos = Thank you

Ole hyvä = You're welcome / Please

Anteeksi = Excuse me / Sorry

Kyllä = Yes

Ei = No

Yksi, kaksi, kolme = One, two, three

Sauna = Sauna

Vesi = Water

Kahvi = Coffee

Olut = Beer

Kalja = Beer

Ruoka = Food

Mitä tämä on? = What is this?

Missä on...? = Where is...?

Paljonko maksaa..? = How much does it cost?

Terveisiä! = Greetings! / Best regards!

Small talk

Finns are generally not proficient with small talk. If you ask them "how are you", they might take it literally and tell their whole life story :D