How to Say "Friend" in Finnish
The most natural way to say "Friend" in Finnish is ystävä. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use 'ystävä' when referring to a friend in a general sense. It is suitable for both casual and formal contexts. 'Kaveri' is more informal and often used among peers. Use 'ystäväni' when you want to emphasize your personal connection to someone.
Say it out loud, get corrected
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Examples in Finnish
| Finnish | English |
|---|---|
| Hän on paras ystäväni. | He/She is my best friend. |
| Minulla on paljon hyviä ystäviä. | I have many good friends. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear ystävä, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Finnish with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 'ystävä' and 'kaveri'?
'Ystävä' is a more formal term for a friend, while 'kaveri' is informal and often used among younger people.
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