Learning Finnish can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. One way to enhance your vocabulary is to focus on common themes, such as family and relationships. In this article, we’ll explore some essential Finnish terms related to family members and various types of relationships.
Perhe
Perhe means “family” in Finnish. It is a collective term used to describe a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or other societal recognition.
Minulla on suuri perhe.
Isä
Isä translates to “father” in English. It refers to a male parent.
Isäni on insinööri.
Äiti
Äiti means “mother” in Finnish, referring to a female parent.
Äitini on opettaja.
Velji
Velji is the plural form of “veli,” which means “brother.”
Minulla on kaksi velji.
Sisko
Sisko translates as “sister” in English. It denotes a female sibling.
Siskoni asuu Helsingissä.
Setä
Setä means “uncle” in Finnish. It refers to the brother of either parent.
Setäni on hauska mies.
Täti
Täti translates to “aunt” in English. It refers to the sister of either parent.
Tätini asuu Espoossa.
Pappa
Pappa is an affectionate term for “grandfather” in Finnish.
Pappa rakastaa kalastamista.
Mummo
Mummo means “grandmother” and it is a term of endearment in Finnish.
Mummo leipoo parhaat piirakat.
Eno
Eno refers to “uncle,” specifically the brother of one’s mother in Finnish.
Enoni asuu Amerikassa.
Aviomies
Aviomies means “husband” in Finnish. It denotes a married man.
Minun aviomieheni on kotoisin Suomesta.
Vaimo
Vaimo translates to “wife” in English. It denotes a married woman.
Vaimoni on erittäin älykäs.
Poikaystävä
Poikaystävä means “boyfriend” in Finnish.
Minulla on uusi poikaystävä.
Tyttöystävä
Tyttöystävä translates to “girlfriend” in English.
Tyttöystäväni opiskelee yliopistossa.
Ystävä
Ystävä means “friend” in Finnish. It can refer to people who share a mutual bond but are not related by blood or law.
Ystäväni tulevat kylään viikonloppuna.
Serkku
Serkku means “cousin” in Finnish. It refers to the children of one’s uncle or aunt.
Serkkuni asuvat eri puolilla Suomea.
Anoppi
Anoppi is the Finnish word for “mother-in-law.” It refers to the mother of one’s spouse.
Anoppini on todella mukava.
Appi
Appi means “father-in-law” in Finnish. It refers to the father of one’s spouse.
Appini auttoi meitä muutossa.
Vävy
Vävy refers to a “son-in-law,” the husband of one’s daughter.
Vävyni on kotoisin Ranskasta.
Miniä
Miniä means “daughter-in-law” in Finnish. It refers to the wife of one’s son.
Miniäni on lahjakas laulaja.
Understanding these terms can help you navigate social situations in Finland, discuss family matters, or simply expand your vocabulary in Finnish. As you continue to learn and use these words, you’ll find it easier to connect with native speakers and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of Finland.
