tarjoilija
/ˈtɑrjoi̯lijɑ/
The Finnish word for waiter is tarjoilija.
The standard and most commonly used word for a waiter in Finnish is tarjoilija.
Meaning: a server in a restaurant or similar (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the verb tarjoilla (to serve/offer) and the suffix -ija (one who does something).
How does it change in a sentence?
The partitive ending '-a' is used in certain grammatical constructions, such as Tarvitsen tarjoilijaa (I need a waiter). The genitive form is tarjoilijan, used to indicate possession or to indicate the person performing an action in some sentence structures.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɑrjoi̯lijɑ/
When do people say it?
The phrase Saisinko laskun? means Could I have the bill?
Did you know?
- In Finland, it is considered impolite to call out 'waiter' or snap your fingers to get a server's attention. Instead, customers typically make eye contact and give a small nod to signal they are ready.
- In Finnish, the word tarjota can mean both 'to serve' and 'to treat someone', as in paying for their meal.
- The root verb tarjoilla is related to the word tarjous, which means 'offer' or 'bargain' in a commercial sense.
Examples in context
- Tarjoilija toi uuden lautasen.The waiter brought a new plate.This sentence is useful for describing the action of a waiter bringing a plate.Tatoeba #2782347 by Orava, translation #19540 by CK
- Pian sama tarjoilija palasi hakemaan astiat.Soon the same waiter came back to pick up the dishes.This sentence is useful for describing a waiter returning to collect dishes.Tatoeba #2691901 by Silja, translation #32410 by mcq
- Esitin vastalauseen kun tarjoilija yritti viedä lautaseni.I objected when the waiter tried to remove my plate.This sentence is useful for expressing an objection toward a waiter's action.Tatoeba #1011564 by Silja, translation #681598 by Source_VOA
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Mikko are at a cafe.
- LauraMissä tarjoilija on?Where is the waiter?
- MikkoHän tulee pian.He is coming soon.
- LauraToivottavasti tarjoilija on nopea.I hope the waiter is fast.
- MikkoHän näyttää olevan kiireinen.He looks to be busy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waiter” translations and entries tarjoilija, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
