How to speak finnish

How to Speak Finnish
 Finnish does not have to be a difficult language. Like most languages, you can learn to speak Finnish with time, effort, and dedication. Start by giving yourself a strong basis in the sounds and phrases of the language. Practice often using smart techniques, and practice it on fluent speakers as often as possible. If you keep it up, you may become fluent before you know it.

1

Practice pronouncing Finnish vowels.Finnish has a heavy emphasis on vowels, and its alphabet contains some vowels that are not used in English. Before you start studying Finnish, you should learn how to read and pronounce its alphabet. Since Finnish words are spelled exactly how they are pronounced, this will help you learn vocabulary more quickly.

2

Learn the differences between English and Finnish consonants. Most consonants in Finnish are pronounced the same as in English. This includes the pronunciation for the letters D, L, M, N, NG, P, S, and T. The letters B, C, F, G, Q, X, and Z are only used in loanwords.There are a few differences between English and Finnish consonants. These include:

• Always pronounce H. Your H should sound breathy, as though you are puffing air every time you pronounce it.
• J is pronounced like “y” is in English.
• V is weaker in Finnish than in English. As you pronounce it, try touching your teeth against your bottom lip very lightly.
• A double consonant (such as in the word takka) is pronounced with a brief pause or hesitation between the two consonants.
• W and X are not used in Finnish.

3

Memorize basic greetings. It is good to have a stock of simple phrases you can use to say hello and goodbye to people. Practice repeating these phrases back to yourself. You can also listen to videos or audio clips online to help you get used to hearing the language as well. Some good phrases are: ^[5][6]

• Hei: hi, hello
• Moi: hello (informal, used with friends)
• Hyvää huomenta: Good morning
• Hyvää päivää: Good day
• Hyvää iltaa: good evening
• Mitä kuuluu?: How are you?
• Nähdään myöhemmin: See you later
• Hauska tavata: Nice to meet you
• Tervetuloa: Welcome
• Kiitos: Thank you
• Anteeksi: sorry, excuse me
• Näkemiin: goodbye
• 
  

Ask and answer simple questions. To have a conversation in Finnish, you may find it useful to start by asking questions. These conversational questions can let you practice responding in Finnish while helping you get the information you need.

• Paljonko tämä maksaa?: How much does this cost?
• Anteeksi, missä on _____?: Excuse me, where is ________?
• Voitteko auttaa minua?: Can you help me?
• Puhutko englantia: Do you speak English?
• Mistä sinä olet kotoisin?: Where are you from?
  • Minä olen kotoisin_____: I am from _____.
• Mikä sinun nimesi on?: What is your name?
• Minun nimeni on_______: My name is_________.

5

Count simple numbers. Numbers are important to help you find and buy things while you are in a Finnish speaking area. After learning one through ten in Finnish, you can attach endings to make numbers 11-90.