äiti
/ˈæi̯ti/
The Finnish word for mom is äiti.
The term is used to refer to a female parent. While äiti is the standard way to say mother, there are other informal ways to address or refer to a mother depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
äiti is the standard, neutral form of the word. Mutsi is an informal term for mom.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
äiti is a neutral term suitable for both formal and everyday contexts. Mutsi is an informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its form depending on how it is used in a sentence. To say "your mom", you add the possessive suffix -si to the word, resulting in äitisi. Additionally, when using certain verbs such as rakastaa (to love) or expressing affection, the word often changes to the partitive form äitiä.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈæi̯ti/
Did you know?
- In Finnish, referring to a human mother as emä in a modern context can be perceived as insulting or dehumanizing.
- The word äiti is related to the Estonian word eit, which actually means 'old woman' rather than 'mother'.
- While äiti is the standard word for 'mother', its older relative emä is now used almost exclusively to refer to animals in standard Finnish.
Examples in context
- Onko hän sinun äitisi?Is she your mom?This sentence shows how to use the form äiti to ask about someone's mother.Tatoeba #5084699 by Orava, translation #3951963 by felvideki
- Mä rakastan mun äitiä.I love my mom.This sentence demonstrates the use of the partitive form äitiä with the verb for love.Tatoeba #6163516 by Orava, translation #2011109 by Shishir
- Isi on äitiä vanhempi.Dad is older than mom.This sentence uses the partitive form äitiä when making comparisons.Tatoeba #10635269 by Silja, translation #8799962 by carlosalberto
- Hyvää syntymäpäivää, äiti!Happy birthday, mom!
- Äiti, voitko auttaa minua läksyissäni?Mom, can you help me with my homework?
- Tulitko kanssani leffaan, mutsi?Are you coming to the movies with me, mom?
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matti and Emma are talking about their family.
- MattiMissä sinun äiti on?Where is your mom?
- EmmaHän on kaupassa.She is at the store.
- MattiMun äiti on kotona.My mom is at home.
- EmmaSe on kiva.That is nice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry äiti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries äiti, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
