moi
/ˈmoi̯/
The Finnish phrase for hello and goodbye is moi.
The word moi is a versatile term that serves as both a greeting when arriving and a parting when leaving.
Which one should you use?
While moi covers both arriving and leaving, if you wish to express a formal goodbye, you would use Hyvästi. In some parts of Western Finland, people may also use the repeated form Moi moi specifically to say goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
moi is an informal way to say hello or hi. For a more formal goodbye, use Hyvästi. Other informal options include Morjesta, which means hey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Western Finland, people may use Moi moi instead of Hyvästi to say goodbye.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmoi̯/
Did you know?
- The word moi actually comes from Low German rather than being a native Finnish word.
- If you use the more formal hyvästi to say goodbye to a friend, it can sound incredibly dramatic, as if you are parting ways forever.
- In Northern Germany, a similar word moin is used as a greeting and is often used throughout the entire day regardless of the hour.
Examples in context
- Päivää! Kiitos vierailusta!Good day! Thank you for the visit!
- Morjesta! Nähdään huomenna tapaamisessa.Hey! See you tomorrow at the meeting.
- Terve! Kiitti, että tulit.Hello! Thanks for coming.
- Moi, mitä kuuluu?Hi, how are you?
- Moi kaikille!Hi everyone!
- Moi, nähdään huomenna.Hi, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Juho and Laura meet briefly on the street.
- JuhoMoi, Laura!Hi, Laura!
- LauraMoi, Juho. Mitä kuuluu?Hi, Juho. How are you?
- JuhoHyvää, kiitos.Good, thanks.
- LauraMoi moi!Bye bye!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry moi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
