moi / hei / terve

Greetings

Level 1

Finnish greetings are simple and versatile. Hei is the neutral all-rounder, moi is casual and friendly, and terve is a traditional, sturdier greeting. To say goodbye, simply double them: moi moi or hei hei.

How It Works

Finnish greetings are governed by social context:

  • Hei: The most versatile greeting. It is appropriate in almost any situation, from meeting a friend to ordering coffee or speaking to a supervisor.
  • Moi: Slightly more casual than hei. It is the standard 'hi' among friends, peers, and in relaxed service environments.
  • Terve: Literally means 'healthy.' It is a casual greeting that feels more traditional or 'sturdy.' It is very common in rural areas or between men, though anyone can use it.
  • Moikka: A friendly, diminutive version of moi. It is very informal and can be used for both 'hello' and 'goodbye.'

Saying Goodbye
In casual Finnish, the most common way to say goodbye is to double the greeting: moi moi or hei hei. While doubling words might sound like 'baby talk' in other languages, it is the standard adult way to signal departure in Finland.

Another common farewell is nähdään, which means 'see you.' This is actually a passive form of the verb nähdä (to see), implying 'we will see each other.'

Examples (5)

  1. Moi, mitä kuuluu?

    Hi, how are you?

    Word by Word: Hi, what hears?

    A very common casual way to greet a friend.

  2. Hei, yksi kahvi, kiitos.

    Hello, one coffee, please.

    Word by Word: Hello, one coffee, thanks.

    Using 'hei' is perfect for neutral service situations like a café.

  3. Terve! Pitkästä aikaa.

    Hello! Long time no see.

    Word by Word: Healthy! From long time.

    'Terve' is a traditional greeting often used when you haven't seen someone in a while.

  4. Moi moi, nähdään huomenna!

    Bye bye, see you tomorrow!

    Word by Word: Hi hi, it is seen tomorrow!

    Doubling 'moi' turns it into a goodbye. 'Nähdään' is the standard 'see you'.

  5. Hei hei, hyvää päivänjatkoa.

    Bye bye, have a nice rest of the day.

    Word by Word: Hello hello, good day-continuation.

    A polite but casual way to leave a shop or office.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'moi moi' to say hello.

    Moi moi! Kiva nähdä.
    Moi! Kiva nähdä.

    In Finnish, doubling the word (moi moi) almost always signals a goodbye. If you say it when arriving, people will think you are leaving immediately.

  • Being too formal in casual situations.

    Hyvää päivää, mitä kuuluu?
    Hei, mitä kuuluu?

    While 'Hyvää päivää' (Good day) is correct, it sounds very stiff or robotic in everyday life. 'Hei' or 'Moi' is much more natural.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

moi / hei / terveLevel 1Greetings

Learn This First

Greetings are foundational vocabulary in Finnish. To use them correctly, you only need a basic understanding of Finnish pronunciation and how vowel length works in the language.

Words in This Pattern

terve