lakritsi
/ˈlɑkritsi/
The English word licorice is lakritsi in Finnish. It is also spelled lakritsa. Wiktionary also lists laku.
Meaning: confection (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lakritsi | /ˈlɑkritsi/ | |
| laku | /ˈlɑku/ | |
| lakritsa | /ˈlɑkritsɑ/ | dated, alternative form |
Which one should you use?
lakritsa is an alternative, dated spelling of lakritsi. laku is a colloquial shortening of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
laku is an informal, colloquial version.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that you want or are eating some licorice, you use the partitive form lakritsia.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlɑkritsi/
Did you know?
- Finnish salmiakki is a specific type of salty lakritsi made with ammonium chloride, which gives it a pungent, stinging taste.
- The Finnish word lakritsi is a linguistic traveler that shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'sweet', through the Ancient Greek word for 'sweet root'.
- In Finland, laku is not just a candy but a flavor used in everything from ice cream to salty liquorice-flavored beer.
Examples in context
- Ostin eilen spunkkia kaupastaI bought some licorice from the store yesterday.
- Laitetaanko kahvin kylkeen vähän possua?Shall we have some licorice with our coffee?
- Voisinko saada pienen annoksen lakritsia?Could I have a small portion of licorice, please?
- Tämä lakritsi on todella makeaa.This licorice is really sweet.
- Ostan kaupasta mustaa lakritsia.I am buying black licorice from the store.
- Pidätkö sinä lakritsista?Do you like licorice?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what snacks to buy at the shop.
- AnnaHaluatko sinä ostaa lakritsia?Do you want to buy licorice?
- JuhoEn, mutta haluan karkkia.No, but I want candy.
- AnnaJuho, oletko varma?Juho, are you sure?
- JuhoKyllä, en pidä lakritsista.Yes, I do not like licorice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “licorice” translations and entries lakritsi, laku, lakritsa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lakritsi, laku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
