hai
/ˈhɑi̯/
The Finnish word for shark is hai.
The word hai refers to the predatory fish known as a shark.
Meaning: fish (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form hai is used for both a single shark and for multiple sharks in the nominative case. To show possession or a relationship, such as 'the shark's mouth', use the genitive form hain. When referring to an indefinite amount of sharks or an ongoing action, use the partitive form haita. If you are indicating direction toward or benefit to multiple sharks, use the plural allative form haille.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɑi/
Did you know?
- The Finnish word hai is a homonym that also refers to the 'high' card in certain card games, borrowed directly from English.
- In Finnish, the word hai is used to describe someone who is an expert or a 'sharp' operator in their field, such as a 'business shark'.
- In Finnish gambling slang, calling someone a hai can imply they are a 'card shark' or a professional gambler who outsmarts others.
Examples in context
- Valashai on maailman suurin hai.The whale shark is the largest shark in the world.This sentence shows how to use hai to describe the whale shark.Tatoeba #8282565 by Thanuir, translation #5288159 by Hybrid
- Prinsessa päätyi hain kitaan ja kuoli.The princess was eaten by the shark.This sentence uses hai to describe being inside a shark's mouth.Tatoeba #5732421 by Orava, translation #4657574 by mervert1
- Jumala on ollut erittäin suopea haille.God has been very kind to the shark.This sentence demonstrates using the form haille to indicate benefit to sharks.Tatoeba #3742152 by Silja, translation #1805716 by Scott
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anna and Antti are visiting an aquarium.
- AnnaKatso, tuo hai on todella iso!Look, that shark is really big!
- AnttiOnko se vaarallinen kala?Is it a dangerous fish?
- AnnaTämä hai on kuitenkin rauhallinen.This shark is peaceful, however.
- AnttiSe näyttää hienoltaIt looks cool.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shark” translations and entries hai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
