yksi
/ˈyksi/
yksi is the Finnish word for the cardinal number one.
When used as a number, yksi is used for counting and specifying quantities. While it can also act as a determiner meaning a single, unspecified thing, in non-numerical contexts meaning 'a certain one', it is often replaced by the words jokin or eräs.
Meaning: cardinal number 1 (num)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The number one changes its form depending on the grammatical case. The genitive form is yhden, the partitive form is yhtä and the illative form is yhteen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈyksi/
Did you know?
- While yksi means 'one', the Finnish word for 'first' is ensimmäinen, which is not derived from the number one but from the root meaning 'foremost' or 'earliest'.
- Finnish has a specific word yksinäinen derived from yksi that describes the emotional state of being lonely, rather than just the numerical state of being alone.
- The Finnish word yksi is a distant relative of the Northern Sami word okta and the Erzya word vejke through their shared Proto-Uralic ancestor.
Examples in context
- Se on yksi selitys.That's one explanation.This sentence is useful for seeing yksi used to specify an explanation.Tatoeba #3230571 by Silja, translation #2251174 by CK
- Ja vielä yksi asia.And one more thing.This sentence is useful for seeing yksi used to indicate one more thing.Tatoeba #13434533 by baetota, translation #13428792 by frpzzd
- On vain yksi ongelma.There's only one problem.This sentence is useful for seeing yksi used to specify a problem.Tatoeba #2666528 by Silja, translation #2663500 by CK
- Yksi vuosi on 365 päivää.One year is 365 days.
- Hänellä on yhden vuoden kokemus.He/She has one year of experience.
- Mulla on yks kaveri tulossa.I have a friend coming.
- Tuun sun luokse yhen tunnin päästä.I'll come to your place in one hour.
- Onko joku käynyt täällä?Has someone been here?
- 266 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofia and Mikko are ordering coffee at a cafe.
- SofiaOttaisin yhden kahvin, kiitos.I would like one coffee, please.
- MikkoSopii. Haluatko myös jotain syötävää?Alright. Do you also want something to eat?
- SofiaKyllä, yksi croissantti olisi hyvä.Yes, one croissant would be good.
- MikkoSelvä, tulen heti takaisin.Got it, I'll be right back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one” translations and entries yksi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yksi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
