Woohoo! You have a Finnish sweetheart and you are ready to let the cat out of the bag by saying your true feelings. So, what’s the best way to say “I love you” in Finnish? How do Finns go about this topic in general?
Whether you are searching for a cute way to signal your interest or wanting to declare that you are soulmates, I can help you navigate the romantic waters of the Finnish language.
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Here is what you will find in this article:
Table of Contents
- “I Love You” in Finnish is “Minä Rakastan Sinua”
- “I Love You Too” in Finnish is “Niin Minäkin Sinua”
- Ultimate Declarations of Love in Finnish
- How to Ask “Do You Love Me?” in Finnish
- How to Say “I’m in Love With You” in Finnish
- How to Say “I Miss You” in Finnish
- How to Say “I Like You” in Finnish
- How to Show You Care for a Friend or Family in Finnish
- How to Pronounce “I Love You” in Finnish
- Are You Interested in Learning More Finnish?
“I Love You” in Finnish is “Minä Rakastan Sinua”
This is the big thing! “Minä rakastan sinua” is used in a long-term relationship or when you are about to enter one.
This sentence is never used casually in Finnish culture. In spoken language, it is often shortened as “Mä rakastan sua”.
As the verb conjugates to show both time and person, you can drop the “I” of the Finnish sentence. The message is the same. So, how to say “I love you” in Finnish:
- I love you = Minä rakastan sinua (standard Finnish)
- I love you = Rakastan sinua (standard Finnish)
- I love you= Mä rakastan sua (spoken Finnish)
- I love you= Rakastan sua (spoken Finnish)
“I Love You Too” in Finnish is “Niin Minäkin Sinua”
The everyday reply “I love you too” doesn’t repeat the verb “to love”.
If it’s your first time saying “I love you” to each other or you want to highlight the meaning of this phrase, it’s a great idea to use the verb “to love” again!
- I love you too = Niin minäkin sinua (standard Finnish)
- I love you too = Minäkin rakastan sinua (standard Finnish)
- I love you too = Niin mäkin sua (spoken Finnish)
- I love you too = Mäkin rakastan sua (spoken Finnish)
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Ultimate Declarations of Love in Finnish
If you want to add more power, consider some of these phrases:
- I love you always = Rakastan sinua aina
- I love you forever = Rakastan sinua ikuisesti
- I love you always and forever = Rakastan sinua aina ja ikuisesti
- I love everything about you = Rakastan kaikkea sinussa
The sentences above are awesome as the starter phrases in positive or neutral situations.
In Finnish, the next sentence is fantastic if you have had a fight or somehow you have made your sweetheart upset.
- I love you with all my heart = Rakastan sinua koko sydämestäni
How to Ask “Do You Love Me?” in Finnish
This is another phrase I wouldn’t recommend as a starter. In Finland, you usually don’t hear this question at the beginning of a relationship.
This phrase is used, when you are really unsure of your relationship.
- Do you love me? = Rakastatko sinä minua?
How to Say “I’m in Love With You” in Finnish
These phrases are very strong in the Finnish language. When you say them, it means you are basically ready for a serious relationship.
In Finnish, “to be in love with someone” refers to the intoxicating feeling of love. Picture Beyonce in the video of “Crazy in Love” and you get the idea of how strong that phrase is in Finnish. Yup!
- I’m in love with you = Olen rakastunut sinuun
- I’m in love with you too = Niin minäkin sinuun (standard Finnish)
- I’m in love with you too = Niin mäkin suhun (spoken Finnish)
- I fell in love with you at first sight = Rakastuin sinuun ensi silmäyksellä
- You make me happy = Teet minut onnelliseksi (standard Finnish)
- You make me happy = Sä teet mut tosi onnelliseksi (spoken Finnish)
How to Say “I Miss You” in Finnish
Saying or writing “I miss you” to a Finn is a powerful statement and mostly used only romantically in Finland unless the context is clearly not amorous, for example, if you are texting your mom.
Two people are very close if they are saying “I miss you” to each other in Finland.
- I miss you = Kaipaan sinua (standard Finnish)
- I miss you = Mulla on ikävä sua (spoken Finnish)
How to Say “I Like You” in Finnish
Verbally, there really are no subtle ways to show your interest in Finnish. For a Finn, all of these phrases mean that you really care about them.
However, as the verb “to love” is very powerful in Finnish and it isn’t present in these sentences, you are saying you care but not in such a profound way as with love. Note that you use the last phrase “Olet kiva” only if you are in high school.
- I like you = Tykkään susta
- You are lovely = Olet ihana
- You are important (to me) = Olet tärkeä
- I’m always thinking about you = Ajattelen sinua koko ajan
- You are nice = Olet kiva
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How to Show You Care for a Friend or Family in Finnish
From the above-mentioned phrases, here are my three favorite ways of expressing how much I care when it’s about family or friends!
“Olet rakas” is great with very close family members, like parents or siblings. It’s also often used in a relationship.
- You are dear (to me) = Olet rakas
“Olet ihana” is perfect if you are a woman. “Ihana” is a very girly and adorable word for lovely. A cute sweater can be “ihana”, cool interior can be “ihana” and your friend most certainly is “ihana”.
On the other hand, my hubby would use “ihana” when he is talking to me but I doubt he would use it to anybody else.
- You are lovely = Olet ihana
For men and women both, I recommend the phrase “Olet tärkeä”. It’s a very positive phrase to use, when you want to express that a person is an important part of your life.
- You are important (to me) = Olet tärkeä
In any situation, if you want to be sure that your friend doesn’t misunderstand you (read: no romantic vibes with this one), you can say:
- Thank you for being my friend = Kiitos että olet ystäväni
How to Pronounce “I Love You” in Finnish
Watch my helpful pronunciation video about how to say “I love you” in Finnish.
Are You Interested in Learning More Finnish?
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Did you find the perfect phrase for your situation? Would you like to know some other sentence that describes your feelings? Let me know in the comments!
Looking for more information about the Finnish language and culture? Check out some of my other posts:
- Best Free and Paid Finnish Language Learning Resources for Beginners
- 20 Cute Finnish Nicknames for Your Loved One
- Quick Guide to Finnish Language Basics
- 30 Cultural Facts on Finland that Help You Understand Finns
- Famous Finnish Sayings about Life that Will Inspire You
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About Varpu
I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..
Jill Branden
Wednesday 24th of August 2022
I’m trying to find a saying in Finnish to pay tribute to my dad as I plan on having it done as a tattoo
Varpu
Friday 2nd of September 2022
Hei Jill! I'm sure you will know it when you find the fitting saying or phrase. One idea could also be to check out some Finnish poets and if those resonate. For me, I always connect my dad who loved nature with the poems of Aaro Hellaakoski.
Faith Womack
Monday 25th of November 2019
Great presentation
Paul
Monday 7th of October 2019
Varpu,
I'm a part Swedish, part Ruthenian, part German guy who lives in the U.S. American South, and as you say, Finland speaks to me. Just now I listened to your lovely pronunciation video. To me, Finnish has a "crisp" sort of sound to it, rolled Rs (or are those only at the start of words, like "rakastan"?), and hardly any silent letters. Is that right?
Varpu Pöyry
Tuesday 8th of October 2019
Hei Paul, thank you so much for your lovely comment. To me it also sounds super crips, the S and R are really sharp in Finnish! You are completely right, no silent letters in Finnish. :)
PJC
Saturday 20th of April 2019
Where can I find that candle holder?
Varpu Pöyry
Tuesday 23rd of July 2019
Hei! Unfortunately, I don't know where you could find this candle holder. I'm so sorry I cannot help you.
Germain Morin
Thursday 18th of April 2019
Who said that French was the language of love ??? As a french native speaker (from Canada), I find Finnish to be a lot more melodic and sexy. I have goosebumps just listening to you! Thanks for sharing :)
Varpu Pöyry
Tuesday 23rd of July 2019
Hei Germain! I am so sorry I found your comment only now. It has totally slipped me. Thank you so much for your feedback. It's so awesome to hear that you like how Finnish sounds! Kiitos!