Slang

1. Moi

   Hi

   Usage

   The everyday casual hello, fine with friends and shop staff alike. "Hei" is a touch more neutral, and "päivää" is the safe choice with an older stranger

2. Moikka

   Bye

   Usage

   A variant of "moi" that works both ways but is heard most often on parting. Doubled as "moi moi" it almost always means goodbye. Fine with shop staff

3. Miten menee?

   How's it going?

   Usage

   Literally "how does it go?" — a light greeting for someone you already know. Finns do not ask it as empty small talk, so a real answer is welcome. With a stranger, "mitä kuuluu?" fits better

4. Joo

   Yeah

   Usage

   The casual yes, far more common in speech than the written "kyllä". Polite enough for shop staff and friends, but use "kyllä" in formal settings and in writing

5. Ei se mitään

   It's nothing / No worries

   Usage

   Literally "it is nothing" — the standard reply to an apology. Safe with anyone, including people older than you

6. Kiva

   Nice

   Usage

   One of the most-used words of approval in Finnish, applied to things, plans and people alike. "Kiva nähdä!" — nice to see you — is the standard greeting on meeting again. Safe with anyone

7. Huippu

   Top / Awesome

   Usage

   Literally a summit, and in speech the word for "top-notch", often as "huippua!". Because it only praises, it never offends — good for food and views

8. Kiitti

   Thanks

   Usage

   The casual form of "kiitos". For friends and people your own age; with shop staff or anyone senior, stick to "kiitos"

9. Sori

   Sorry

   Usage

   From English "sorry", for a light apology among friends your own age. When it really matters, or with anyone senior, say "anteeksi"

10. Jees

    Yep / Cool

    Usage

    From English "yes", used to agree or approve. For friends your own age; at work say "selvä"

11. Kaveri

    Mate / Buddy

    Usage

    Casual "friend", a lighter bond than "ystävä". It is for talking about someone, not for addressing them. Safe to use with anyone

12. Hengailla

    To hang out

    Usage

    Built from English "hang out": "mennäänkö hengailemaan?" invites someone along. For peers — at work say "tavata"

13. Chillata

    To chill

    Usage

    English "chill" with a Finnish verb ending — doing nothing in particular. A younger person's word; with anyone older say "rentoutua"

14. Jutella

    To chat

    Usage

    Easy conversation. "Jutellaan!" — let's talk — also works as a parting line. Warm and usable with anyone at any age

15. Pänttätä

    To cram / To swot

    Usage

    Rote learning before an exam. "Pänttään suomea" is a perfectly good line in a self-introduction, and every student uses the word

16. Duuni

    Work / Job

    Usage

    From Helsinki slang and now understood nationwide: "meen duuniin" — I'm off to work. Fine with friends your own age, but use "työ" at work and in writing

17. Fillari

    Bike

    Usage

    The casual word for "polkupyörä", and what you actually hear in conversation. Helsinki slang in origin but understood everywhere, and safe with anyone

18. Stadi

    Helsinki (nickname)

    Usage

    The city's own nickname, from Swedish "stad". Someone raised there is a "stadilainen". Using it with locals signals affection, but write "Helsinki" in anything official

19. Ei jaksa

    I can't be bothered

    Usage

    "Jaksaa" means to have the energy for something and has no single English equivalent. Fine as an excuse among friends, but it sounds rude at work or to anyone senior

20. Löyly

    Sauna steam

    Usage

    The burst of steam when water hits the sauna stones — a word English simply lacks. "Lisää löylyä?" — more steam? — is the question every sauna session involves. Safe with anyone, and knowing it earns you respect in the sauna

21. Kalsarikännit

    Drinking at home in your underwear

    Usage

    Staying in and having a quiet drink with no intention of going anywhere. It became internationally known when the Finnish government published it as an official emoji, and it carries a distinctly Finnish self-deprecating humour. A joke to share with friends — not something to say to a stranger or anyone senior

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