How to Say Thank You in Finnish

Kiitos Is the Only Word You Need for Thank You

Kiitos is correct with shop staff, a taxi driver or a stranger you stop for directions. It does not change with formality.

Thank You in Finnish Looks Nothing Like Its Neighbors

Finnish is not related to Swedish, Norwegian or Danish. It belongs to a separate family along with Estonian and Hungarian, which is why kiitos resembles neither tack nor takk. Swedish is an official language in Finland and tack is understood, however kiitos is the word to use.

Finnish Has No Word for Please

Kiitos is added to a request where English would use please. Yksi kahvi, kiitos means "one coffee, please".

The Usual Reply to Kiitos

The most common reply is ole hyvä, "be good", which is also said when handing something over. Ei kestä, "don't mention it", is just as common.

• Kiitos paljon

  KEE-toss PAHL-yon

  Thanks a lot. Common in shops and restaurants.

• Paljon kiitoksia

  PAHL-yon KEE-tok-see-ah

  Many thanks. More formal than kiitos paljon, and the usual form in writing.

• Kiitos oikein paljon

  KEE-toss OY-kayn PAHL-yon

  Thank you very much indeed, for a kindness rather than a purchase.

• Kiitti

  KEE-tee

  Thanks. Casual and clipped, for friends rather than a shop.