Directions — Learn Finnish

📌 Why Learn Directions?

Navigating Everyday Life

Directions are essential in everyday life. Whether you are finding a new classroom, looking for a product in the supermarket, or asking for the nearest bus stop, mastering these words will help you survive and thrive in Finland.

In Finnish, direction words often change their ending (form) depending on whether you are moving to a direction (e.g., oikealle = to the right) or if something is located in that direction (e.g., oikealla = on the right). Let's learn to use these forms!

🧭 Essential Vocabulary

Direction Words

Listen and repeat these core directional words. Pay attention to the pronunciation of double vowels and consonants.

🚶 Daily Life Examples

Using directions in sentences

Notice how the direction words change slightly depending on whether you are going to a direction or if something is located in a direction.

Käänny seuraavasta risteyksestä oikealle.

Turn right at the next intersection.

Apteekki on kadun vasemmalla puolella.

The pharmacy is on the left side of the street.

Mene suoraan eteenpäin sata metriä.

Go straight ahead for one hundred meters.

🗣️ Real-Life Conversation

Listen to this full conversation where someone asks for directions to the library. Notice how the highlighted direction words are used in context.

👤

Anteeksi, voitko neuvoa tien kirjastolle? Onko se kaukana?

Excuse me, can you show the way to the library? Is it far?

🧑

Ei, se on aika lähellä. Mene ensin tätä katua suoraan eteenpäin.

No, it is quite near. First go straight ahead down this street.

🧑

Käänny sitten liikennevaloista vasemmalle.

Then turn left at the traffic lights.

🧑

Kirjasto on ison kirkon takana, heti puiston vieressä.

The library is behind the big church, right next to the park.

👤

Okei, eli suoraan, vasemmalle ja kirkon takana. Onko sisäänkäynti edessä?

Okay, so straight, left and behind the church. Is the entrance in front?

🧑

Kyllä, pääovi on suoraan edessä. Ja kahvila on heti oikealla kun menet sisään.

Yes, the main door is right in front. And the cafe is immediately on the right when you go in.

👤

Selvä juttu, kiitos paljon avusta!

Alright, thank you very much for the help!

🧠 Test Your Skills

Advanced Directions Quiz

1 / 6