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Your first words

A handful of phrases will carry you through your first day in Helsinki:

Finnish English When
Hei! Hi! / Hello! Any time, with anyone — the safest greeting there is
Moi! Hi! Casual and very common, especially in Helsinki
Huomenta! Morning! Until about mid-morning
Mitä kuuluu? How are you? Literally “what is heard?” — with people you know or have just met

The usual answer is Kiitos, hyvää. — Fine, thanks. Then pass the question back: Entä sinulle? — And you?

To give your name, say Minä olen Marina. — I'm Marina. Or simply Olen Marina. Meeting someone for the first time, add Hauska tavata! — Nice to meet you!