maustekurkku
/ˈmɑu̯steˣˌkurkːu/
The Finnish word for pickle is maustekurkku. Wiktionary also lists suolakurkku (in brine) and kurkku.
Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)
Ways to say it
| Finnish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| maustekurkku | /ˈmɑu̯steˣˌkurkːu/ | |
| suolakurkku (in brine) | ||
| kurkku | /ˈkurkːu/ | general |
The term is used to describe a preserved cucumber.
What does it mean word for word?
maustekurkku is a compound word made of mauste, meaning spice or seasoning and kurkku, meaning cucumber.
Which one should you use?
maustekurkku generally refers to a pickled cucumber, typically preserved in vinegar. In contrast, suolakurkku specifically refers to a cucumber preserved in brine. If you are referring to a fresh cucumber, simply use kurkku.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are ordering 'some' pickles or discussing an unspecified amount, use the partitive form maustekurkkua.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɑu̯steˣˌkurkːu/
Did you know?
- The word kurkku relates to the Old Norse word 'kverk', which refers to a narrow passage or a throat, showing a fascinating connection between the vegetable and anatomy.
- In Finnish, if you say you have a kurkku problem, you are likely talking about a sore throat rather than a problem with your cucumbers.
- In Finnish, the word kurkku can also mean 'throat' in a completely different anatomical context, though it is spelled the same.
Examples in context
- Saisinko säilykekurkkua?May I have some pickles?
- Pidän säilykekurkuista.I like pickles.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickle” translations and entries maustekurkku, kurkku, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kurkku, maustekurkku, suolakurkku, CC BY-SA 4.0.
