The Finnish archipelago is a world of its own, and so is its language. If you’ve ever tried chatting with locals in the Turun saaristo (Turku Archipelago) or the Åland Islands, you’ll know that standard Finnish doesn’t always cut it. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to the words you’ll actually hear out there.
Basic Geography Terms
Saari
/ˈsɑːri/“Island”
The most basic term for an island. If you’re on one, you’re on a saari.
Luoto
/ˈluo̯to/“Islet, skerry”
A small, rocky island, often uninhabited. The kind you’d fish around.
Hietikko
/ˈhie̯tikːo/“Sandy islet”
A small island with sandy shores. Rare in Finland, but they exist.
Fishing & Boating Terms
Vene
/ˈʋeneˣ/“Boat”
Generic term for a boat. If it floats, it’s a vene.
Hauki
/ˈhɑu̯ki/“Pike”
The fish you’re most likely to catch. Also a pain to clean.
Verkko
/ˈʋerkːo/“Fishing net”
What you use when you’re serious about fishing. Not for amateurs.
Coastal Slang
Rantaruoho
/ˈrɑntɑˌruo̯ho/“Literally 'beach grass'”
Slang for tourists. They’re everywhere in summer, like weeds.
Kesäihminen
/ˈkesæˌihminen/“Summer person”
Someone who only shows up when the weather’s good. Not a compliment.
Pro tip: If you want to sound like a local, drop the textbook Finnish and use these words. The archipelago has its own rhythm, and so does its language.
Weather & Nature
Tuulinen
/ˈtuːlinen/“Windy”
The default state of the archipelago. If it’s not windy, something’s wrong.
Sumuinen
/ˈsumui̯nen/“Foggy”
Common in autumn. Makes navigation a nightmare.
Useful Phrases
- “Missä on lähin kauppa?” – Where’s the nearest shop? (Hint: It’s probably on the mainland.)
- “Onko täällä hyvä kalastuspaikka?” – Is there a good fishing spot here? (Locals might lie.)
For more Finnish vocabulary, check out our guide on Finnish winter words or Finnish onomatopoeia.
