äiti
/ˈæi̯ti/
The Finnish word for mother is äiti.
The word äiti refers to a female human who gives birth to or parents a child. You can also use the phrase olla äitinä to describe the act of treating someone as a mother would be expected to.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on how it is used in a sentence. Use the genitive form äidin to show possession or a relationship, such as a mother's name. In negative sentences expressing possession, such as saying someone does not have a mother, use the partitive form äitiä.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈæi̯ti/
Did you know?
- The word äiti was likely borrowed from an early Germanic language, such as Proto-Norse or Proto-Germanic.
- While äiti is the standard word for a human mother, the word emä is now almost exclusively used to refer to the mother of an animal.
Examples in context
- Mari on Tomin äiti.Mary is Tom's mother.This sentence shows how to use the form äiti to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #7288052 by Orava, translation #1030064 by CK
- Tytöllä ei ole äitiä.The girl has no mother.This sentence demonstrates the use of the partitive form äitiä in a negative sentence.Tatoeba #2809802 by Kalle63, translation #46490 by CK
- Mun äiti on keittiös.My mother is in the kitchen.This sentence provides an example of the form äiti in a basic statement.Tatoeba #6470066 by Orava, translation #703080 by papabear
- Kiitos, äiti!Thank you, Mom!
- 228 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mikko and Emma are looking at a family photograph.
- MikkoKuka tämä nainen on?Who is this woman?
- EmmaHän on minun äiti.She is my mother.
- MikkoOnko hän kotoisin Suomesta?Is she from Finland?
- EmmaKyllä, äiti asuu Turussa.Yes, mother lives in Turku.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mother” translations and entries 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.
