Interesting words / Study Finnish

A collection of Finnish words that either don’t have a 1:1 English translation and often require an explanation or are otherwise interesting for other reasons.

List of interesting words

Table for the list of interesting words
Finnish	English
Aasinsilta	A barely related and sometimes awkward transition from one topic to another that often has very little to do with the current topic or argument.
Avanto	A hole in the ice where someone can swim or dip into. Sometimes done between sauna sessions in winter.
Eräjorma	A person who loves the outdoors, is knowledgeable about nature and is typically skilled in survival.
Höyryjyrä	Literally “steamroller”, used by the Finnish army as a shibboleth during the war with the Soviet Union due to its difficult pronunciation.
Juoksentelisinkohan	To wonder if you should run around aimlessly.
Kaamos	The phenomenon where the night lasts for 24 hours within the northernmost part of Finland that is within the arctic circle, also known as polar night.
Kalsarikännit	The act of of getting drunk at home alone, typically in underpants, with no intention of going out.
Kissanristiäiset	A party or event that you feel is unnecessary but you are somewhat forced to attend.
Kyykkyviini	Wines that are often the cheapest or least of quality that are located on the lowest shelf and require crouching to acquire.
Landespede	A person who was born or raised in the country side; a person not from the city.
Löyly	The act of throwing water on sauna’s stove and the heat, humidity and temperature in the sauna as a result of the steam.
Motti	Military slang for a totally encircled enemy unit. The tactic of encircling is Motitus.
Myötähäpeä	Second-hand shame or compassion for someone making a fool of themselves.
Riuku	Usually a tree branch used to lean on or against for support while relieving one’s self.
Routa	The frozen top layer of earth or soil caused by cold weather during winter with ruotavaurio occasionally being used for roads or paths that have been damaged by such conditions.
Ruoto	Ruoto, or kalanruoto, is the term for the small bones of a fish commonly known as fishbone.
Ruska	The process of leaves turning from green changing to various colours in autumn.
Ruuhkavuodet	How a parent with young children may feel while trying to juggle responsibilities along with their career and hobbies.
Ryijy	A woven Finnish long-tufted tapestry or knotted-pile carpet hanging.
Rynnäkkökännit	Consuming large amounts of alcohol when in a rush which can cause unpredictable consequences.
Räkkä	A mass occurrence of insects that sting, bite and suck blood that emerge in Lapland around midsummer.
Saippuakivikauppias	A soapstone vendor and the longest single word palindrome.
Sisu	Stoic determination, perserverance, bravery, resilience or hardiness.
Söisinköhän	Literally “I wonder if I should eat something”.
Vanhapoika	Literally “Old boy”, but also understood as a person who has not been in any long term romantic relationships or has never been married and lives alone.