Question Words

1. Mitä?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

   Grammar Note

   The partitive form; the nominative is "Mikä?"

2. Missä?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Milloin?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Kuka?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Miksi?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Miten?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Kuinka monta?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   For countables; use "Kuinka paljon?" for amounts

8. Paljonko se maksaa?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Mikä niistä?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

10. Mikä tämä on?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Missä on vessa?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Vessa" in speech; signs read "WC"

12. Paljonko kello on?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Onko teillä?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    "Teillä on" is the possessive construction; add the item

14. Onnistuuko?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

15. Maksaako se?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Onko se ilmainen?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Onko tämä hyvä?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Eikö tämä ole sallittua?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Oletteko kunnossa?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Onko tämä hyvä?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Uses the polite "Te"; with friends say "Oletko kunnossa?"

20. Oikeasti?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Oletteko varma?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Oikeasti?"

22. Mistä olette kotoisin?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Mikä on nimenne?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

    Grammar Note

    Uses the possessive of formal "Te" ("nimenne"); with friends say "Mikä on nimesi?"

24. Kuinka vanha olette?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Voimmeko ottaa kuvan yhdessä?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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