# Finnish

/ˈfɪnɪʃ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finnish
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR A2

the language spoken by most people in Finland.

For teachers: the Finno-Ugric language spoken by the majority of the population in Finland. Uncountable in this sense.

- She decided to learn Finnish before moving to Helsinki for her new job.
- Although Finnish is notoriously difficult for English speakers due to its complex case system, she achieved basic fluency within a year.

### 2. relating to Finland

adjective · CEFR A2

relating to the country of Finland or its people.

For teachers: pertaining to the nation of Finland, its inhabitants, or its culture.

- We enjoyed traditional Finnish food during our winter holiday in Lapland.
- The Finnish education system is frequently cited by international observers as a model for successful pedagogical reform.

### 3. relating to the language

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to the Finnish language.

For teachers: pertaining specifically to the Finnish language rather than the nation or culture at large.

- He bought a Finnish dictionary to help him read the local newspapers.
- The professor specialised in Finnish grammar, focusing specifically on the historical development of its vowel harmony rules.

## Examples

- I am learning Finnish because I want to move to Helsinki.
- Although many people in the capital speak English, learning Finnish helps you understand the local culture much better.
- The linguistic structure of Finnish is notably different from its Scandinavian neighbors, as it belongs to the Finno-Ugric family rather than the Germanic branch.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.