maito
/ˈmɑi̯to/
Milk in Finnish is maito.
The word maito refers to the liquid dairy product. Related dairy terms include Kerma (cream), Piimä (buttermilk) and Juusto (cheese). When specifying the type of milk, you can use Täysmaito for whole milk or Laktoositon maito for lactose-free milk.
Meaning: liquid (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, maito changes its form depending on its role in a sentence. Use the partitive form maitoa when referring to an indefinite amount of milk or when milk is the object of a negative sentence. Use the genitive form maidon to indicate possession, such as maidon maku (the taste of milk). Use the inessive form maidossa to indicate being inside the milk, and the illative form maitoon to indicate movement into the milk.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɑi̯to/
Did you know?
- The word maito is used in the common expression maitohymy, which literally means 'milk smile'. It describes a sweet, innocent, or naive smile, usually on a child's face.
- In Finland, you will often find piimä in the dairy aisle, which is a fermented milk product. While it translates to 'buttermilk', it is more like a thin, drinkable yogurt and is frequently eaten with cereal.
- Finland has one of the highest rates of lactose-free milk consumption in the world. You will find laktoositon maito in almost every store, often occupying as much shelf space as regular milk.
Examples in context
- Me emme juo maitoa.We don't drink milk.This sentence shows the use of the partitive form maito in a negative sentence.Tatoeba #6901278 by Orava, translation #2273802 by CK
- Maito on hyvä juoma.Milk is a good beverage.This sentence uses the nominative form maito to describe a beverage.Tatoeba #11474873 by Thanuir, translation #19468 by Mrew2Vier
- Hän ei juonut maitoa.She didn't drink the milk.This sentence uses the partitive form maito in a negative past tense context.Tatoeba #4723078 by Sanaseppo, translation #4719043 by AlanF_US
- Saanko lasillisen maitoa, kiitos?May I have a glass of milk, please?
- Saisinko kahvin kanssa maitoa, kiitos?Could I have some milk with the coffee, please?
- 111 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mikko and Sofia are in the kitchen preparing breakfast.
- MikkoOnko meillä vielä maitoa?Do we still have any milk?
- SofiaEi ole, maito loppui eilen.No, the milk ran out yesterday.
- MikkoOstan lisää maitoa kaupasta.I will buy more milk from the store.
- SofiaKiitos, Mikko!Thank you, Mikko!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “milk” translations and entries maito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
