Astrid's
Guide to
Finnish Phrases
for Postcards
(and E-mail)

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Astrid's Finnish Phrases

Since my mother's family was largely Finnish, with most still living in Finland, I have found a need for short Finnish phrases that allow me to write postcards and e-mails to my many relatives, without waiting for a long afternoon when I could work through a longer, more impressive, much more challenging letter. I find that if I wait, it don't get done.

So... these phrases are for me, but... perhaps... they can help you too? Please let me know if you have any suggestions or comments. Thanks all!

• Greetings:
  Mitä kuuluu? [How are you (doing)?]

• Polite words:
  Kiitos. [Thank you.]
  Kiitos paljon. [Thank you very much.]
  Kyllä kiitos. [Yes, please.]
  Ei, kiitos. [No, thank you.]
  

• Introductions:
  Nimeni on Virpi Smith. [My name is Virpi Smith.]
  Mikä sinun nimesi on? [What is your name?]
  Tunnetko hänet? [Do you know him/her?]
  

• Geography and Places:
  Mistä te olette kotoisin? Mistä sinä olet kotoisin? [Where are you from? ("te": formal or addressing more than one, and "sinä": casual, friendly and familiar greeting.)]