Repost: All the Finnish you need to know

Or, How to get lucky in Jyväskylä (or not)

So, it is time to go out and you want to meet the locals. Finns generally speak English, but a bit of the local language never hurt anyone. Don’t be scared to try!

If you have successfully disguised yourself as a Finn, the doorman might ask you for your henkkarit/paperit (ID). The age limit is usually 18, but during the weekend some night clubs only allow people over 20 or 22 inside.

Once you have gotten in, it is time for yksi fisu ja lonkero, kiitos! (One fisu shot and a long drink, please!) When raising your glass, you can say kippis! Or if you are up for the challenge, you can go for hölökynkölökyn! For some reason we Finns love to speak Swedish when drinking so skål is also a good option. Remember to drink your shots at once, Pohjanmaan kautta! According to old Finnish wisdom, viina on viisasten juoma (booze is the drink of the wise) and ei tippa tapa, eikä ämpäriin huku (one drop won't kill you and you won't drown in a bucket). Yhdet sille! (Let’s drink to that!)

After enjoying some liquid courage, you might be ready to go to speak to that cute girl or boy. But beware, trying to speak to a Finn can be a bit difficult. Or actually, it can be very difficult. Sometimes a simple lähdetkö tanssimaan?  (Do you want to dance with me?) might work, but usually it is a good idea to have some excuse to start a conversation. Of course you can try the classics: käytkö sä usein täällä? (do you come here often?), oliko sun äitis simpukka, kun sä oot tollanen helmi? (Was your mother an oyster, since you are such a pearl?). Or speak about the weather: on ilmoja pidellyt! (The weather has been something lately). But hey, if you are turned down, just move on. "Eteenpäin!" sanoi mummo lumessa. ("Forward!" said the granny in the snow.) Or find the group with whom you had your etkot (pre-party) and go have a jatkot (after party) with them.

When you want to say something nice to the Finn who finally agreed to dance with you, you can try: olet ihana/kaunis/komea. (You are wonderful/beautiful/handsome.) If you think you might get lucky, you can try saying Meille vai teille? (My place or yours?)  

Later on if you realize that this person wasn’t the prince or princess of your dreams, tell them that you love them, minä rakastan sinua, and watch that person disappear in two seconds.

And remember: kertaus on opintojen äiti. (Repetition is the mother of all studies.)

Now, go have fun and afterwards, come tell us how it went with these phrases. ;)