slangi
/ˈslɑŋːi/
The English phrase slang is slangi in Finnish.
slangi refers to unconventional language. Examples of Finnish slang include Känni (being drunk), Duuni (work or a job), Faija (father) and Kerma (money). Other informal expressions include olen vähän kännissä to say one is slightly drunk and Firman bileet for a company party.
Meaning: unconventional language (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun slangi can change forms depending on its use in a sentence. Use the partitive form slangia when referring to slang as an uncountable concept or substance. Use the genitive form slangin to indicate possession or to modify another noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈslɑŋːi/
Did you know?
- Helsinki has its own distinct city slang called stadin slangi which was heavily influenced by Swedish and German in the early 20th century.
- Many Finnish slang words, like 'duuni' for 'work', actually originate from Swedish, reflecting the long linguistic history between the two countries.
- In Finland, there is a distinction between 'slangi' and 'puhekieli', where 'puhekieli' is the standard spoken language used by most people, while 'slangi' is a specific, more colorful subset.
Examples in context
- Alunperin ranska oli slangia.Originally, French was slang.This sentence shows how to use the partitive form slangia to refer to slang as a concept.Tatoeba #3790265 by Silja, translation #2344500 by AlanF_US
- ”Sketchy” on suosittu slangisana."Sketchy" is a popular slang word.This sentence illustrates the use of slangi in a general context.Tatoeba #6976826 by Silja, translation #6976512 by Eccles17
- Tää biisi on ihan jäätävä!This song is awesome!
- mä meen duuniinI'm going to work.
Example conversation
Emma and Juho are discussing a new song.
- EmmaEn ymmärrä näitä sanoja.I don't understand these words.
- JuhoTuo on vain nuorten slangi.That is just youth slang.
- EmmaOnko se vaikeaa oppia?Is it hard to learn?
- JuhoEi, se on aika helppoa.No, it is quite easy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slang” translations and entries slangi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
