hei
/ˈhei̯/
The English word 'hello' can be translated into Finnish using several forms, the most common being hei. Wiktionary also lists terve and moi.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hei | /ˈhei̯/ |
| terve | /ˈterʋeˣ/ |
| moi | /ˈmoi̯/ |
| moikka | /ˈmoi̯kːɑ/ |
| tsau | /ˈtsɑu̯/ |
These terms are used as interjections to greet people. While hei can mean 'Hello' or 'Hey', the word moi is a casual way to say 'Hi' among friends and acquaintances.
Which one should you use?
While hei and moi are standard informal greetings, doubling the word to moi moi changes the meaning from a greeting to a common informal way to say goodbye.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a more formal greeting than the informal hei or moi, one would use hyvää päivää, which means 'Good day' and is a polite way to greet someone formally during the daytime.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhei̯/
Did you know?
- The greeting terve is actually an adjective meaning 'healthy'. When you greet someone this way, you are essentially wishing them health.
- In many cultures, 'hello' is accompanied by a smile, but in Finland, a simple nod or even silence is often a perfectly acceptable way to acknowledge a greeting.
- While moi is used as a greeting, it is actually a loanword from Low German rather than a native Finnish word.
Examples in context
- Hei, olen uusi Tatoebassa.Hello, I am new to Tatoeba.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of hei to introduce yourself.Tatoeba #3985962 by Silja, translation #1737333 by hikoich
- Hän ei edes sanonut ”hei”.He didn't even say hello.This sentence shows the use of hei in a negative context regarding a greeting.Tatoeba #10317749 by Silja, translation #9350804 by Hybrid
- Hei, oletteko Te herra Ogawa?Hello, are you Mr Ogawa?This sentence demonstrates using hei when addressing someone formally by name.Tatoeba #3207121 by Silja, translation #419465 by blay_paul
- Hyvää päivää, voisitteko auttaa minua?Good day, could you help me?
- Moi, mitä kuuluu?Hi, how are you?
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Antti meets Anna on the street.
- AnttiHei, Anna!Hello, Anna!
- AnnaHei, Antti.Hello, Antti.
- AnttiMitä kuuluu?How are you?
- AnnaKiitos, hyvää.Thanks, I'm good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries hei, terve, moi, moikka, tsau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hei, moi, moikka, terve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
