Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| koti | /ˈkoti/ | |
| hima | /ˈhimɑ/ | colloquial |
| kotitalo | /ˈkotiˌtɑlo/ | colloquial |
The word koti refers to the house or structure in which someone lives, functioning as a noun for one's dwelling or abode. If you want to express the concept of being "at home" as a location, you use the related adverbial form kotona. To express the action of "homing in" on something, the verb hakeutua is used.
Which one should you use?
While koti is the standard term, hima and kotitalo are also used in informal contexts. Hima is a colloquial shortening of koti, whereas kotitalo is a colloquial term for a home or house.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hima and kotitalo are colloquial and should be reserved for casual speech.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement towards the home, such as "going home", you use the illative form kotiin. To indicate being at the location of the home (at home), use the adverbial form kotona.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkoti/
Did you know?
- The word koti is related to kota, which refers to a traditional conical hut or tent used by the Sami people and early Finns.
- The term kotitalous refers to a 'household' and is used in official statistics to group people living together even if they are not related by blood or marriage.
- The Finnish word koti can be combined with other nouns to create specific types of institutions, such as orpokoti for an orphanage or vanhainkoti for a nursing home.
Examples in context
- Hän tuli kotiin pian.He came home soon.This sentence shows how to use the form koti to describe returning home.Tatoeba #3220500 by Silja, translation #794176 by patgfisher
- No niin, mene kotiin.Right then, go home.This sentence uses koti to express the command of going home.Tatoeba #3510011 by Silja, translation #3515249 by AzureFlowers
- Tom on mennyt kotiin.Tom has gone home.This sentence uses koti to describe someone having gone home.Tatoeba #3786480 by Silja, translation #3733154 by CK
- Minulla on ihana koti.I have a lovely home.
- Koti on tärkeä turvasatama.Home is an important safe haven.
- Rakastan palata kotiin joka päivä.I love coming home every day.
- Tavataanko mun kämpillä?Shall we meet at my place/home?
- Tää kämppä on aika viihtyisä.This place/home is quite cozy.
- Oma koti kullan kallis.There's no place like home.
- Tervetuloa kotiin!Welcome home!
- Koti on paikka, jossa tunnen oloni turvalliseksi.Home is a place where I feel safe.
- Rakas koti, sinulla on aina paikka sydämessäni.Dear home, you always have a place in my heart.
- 425 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Matti are talking about their new living arrangements.
- LauraTämä on todella kaunis koti.This is a really beautiful home.
- MattiKiitos, me olemme onnellisia tässä.Thank you, we are happy here.
- LauraOnko tämä sinun ensimmäinen koti?Is this your first home?
- MattiKyllä, ostimme tämän viime kuussa.Yes, we bought this last month.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “home” translations and entries koti, hima, kotitalo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hima, koti, kotitalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
