Finnish numbers are quite systematic and easy to learn once you break them down. There are no irregular number forms like in some other languages, making it easy for learners to get the hang of it quickly.
Here's a brief guide to understanding Finnish numbers: Check below YOUTUBE video for audio and slang pronunciation too.
Basic Structure:
- Numbers 1-9: These are the building blocks for all Finnish numbers. Once you learn these, you'll be able to construct many other numbers.
1 Yksi (euk-See)2 Kaksi (kak-see)
3 Kolme (kol-may)
4 Neljä (nel-yah)
5 Viisi (vii-see)
6 Kuusi (kuu-see)
7 Seitsemän (seit-seh-man)
8 Kahdeksan (kah-dek-sahn)
9 Yhdeksän (euh-dek-sahn)
10 Kymmenen (kym-me-nen)
- "-toista" for 11-19: For numbers 11 to 19, the base number (1-9) is combined with "-toista", which roughly translates to “teen” in English. For example:
- Yksitoista (11) = Yksi (1) + toista
- Kolmetoista (13) = Kolme (3) + toista
- "-kymmentä" for 20, 30, 40, etc.: For tens, you add "-kymmentä", meaning "ten." For example:
- Kaksikymmentä (20) = Kaksi (2) + kymmentä
- Kolmekymmentä (30) = Kolme (3) + kymmentä
- Hundreds and Thousands: After 100, it's simply "sata" for 100 and "tuhat" for 1000. So, it's quite straightforward:
- Sata (100)
- Tuhat (1000)
- Satatuhatta (100,000)
- Millionja
- Billionja
Watch the full video to pronounce the numbers formally and informally too.
