Moving to Finland? 15 Survival Phrases for Day One

Siiri Heiskanen
Dec 18, 2025
2 min read

If you are moving to Finland, learning a few essential Finnish phrases will make your first days much smoother, whether you are navigating public transport, shopping for groceries, or introducing yourself to new colleagues. While almost everyone in Finland speaks good English, knowing even a little Finnish shows respect, helps you connect faster, and makes daily life feel less intimidating.

Here are 15 survival Finnish phrases and words that every newcomer should learn before stepping off the plane.

1. Hei / Moi

Meaning: Hi / Hello

These are the most common informal greetings. Friendly and simple.

2. Hyvää huomenta / päivää / iltaa / yötä

Meaning: Good morning/day/evening/night

Polite greetings for different times of day.

3. Kiitos

Meaning: Thank you

Finns appreciate politeness. You will use this many times.

4. Kyllä / Ei, kiitos

Meaning: Yes / No, thank you

Short, simple, and essential for answering politely.

5. Anteeksi

Meaning: Sorry / Excuse me

Useful in shops, crowded trams, or when you accidentally bump into someone.

6. Anteeksi, en ymmärrä

Meaning: Sorry, I don’t understand

A helpful phrase when you don’t understand what was said.

7. Voisitko toistaa?

Meaning: Could you repeat?

A polite way to ask someone to repeat what they said when you miss a word or didn’t catch the full sentence.

8. En puhu suomea (vielä)

Meaning: I don’t speak Finnish (yet)

Adding “yet” shows you are trying, something Finns really respect.

9. Puhutko englantia?

Meaning: Do you speak English?

A gentle way to switch languages if you get stuck.

10. Missä on…?

Meaning: Where is…?

Examples:

Missä on kauppa? – Where is the store?
Missä on asema? – Where is the station?

11. Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa?

Meaning: How much does this cost?

Perfect for supermarkets, second-hand shops, or flea markets (kirpputori).

12. Voisitko auttaa?

Meaning: Could you help?

A useful phrase for whenever you need help.

13. Yksi lippu / kaksi lippua, kiitos

Meaning: One ticket / two tickets , please

Ideal for buses, trams, trains, or ferries.

14. Näkemiin / nähdään & moikka

Meaning: Good bye / see you & bye bye

A formal and informal way to end conversations with coworkers or new friends.

15. Olen juuri muuttanut Suomeen

Meaning: I have just moved to Finland

A perfect icebreaker when meeting neighbors or colleagues.

Why Learning Basic Finnish Helps When Moving to Finland

When moving to Finland, even beginner-level Finnish can boost your confidence. It helps you:

Navigate bureaucracy with less stress
Build trust with locals
Feel more at home in your new environment
Understand signs, menus, and everyday instructions
Learn the culture behind the language

Finns don’t expect newcomers to speak perfect Finnish, but they appreciate the effort!