Kohtelias kieli / How to be polite in Finnish

Summary

In this video, Finnish language teacher Jenni introduces how to use polite language in Finnish, particularly useful for customer service. She explains the importance of the conditional form (-isi) to make polite requests, as well as using the suffixes -han or -hän for softer, polite commands. Jenni also touches on 'teitittely,' a formal way of addressing people with the plural 'te' instead of 'sinä.' She emphasizes the significance of small polite words like 'thank you,' 'I'm sorry,' and 'my pleasure.' By the end, viewers will understand how to communicate politely in various contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on how to use polite language in Finnish, especially important for customer service.
• 😊 The conditional (-isi) form is essential for polite requests in Finnish.
• 📝 The conditional form is often used in customer service situations, such as making requests or offering assistance.
• 🙋‍♂️ The conditional form is created by removing -vat/-vät from the 'they' form and adding the -isi ending.
• 🗣️ Adding -han or -hän to verbs is another polite way to ask someone to do something.
• 👵 Addressing someone with 'te' instead of 'sinä' is a formal way to show respect, especially for elderly people or customers.
• ☕ Common examples of polite requests include: 'Could I have a cup of coffee?' or 'Would you like something to drink?'
• 📞 It's important to use small polite words like 'Thank you', 'My pleasure', and 'I'm sorry' in conversations.
• 🚍 Using 'te' in customer service or public settings shows extra politeness and is used in formal contexts.
• 👌 The video concludes with a reminder of the importance of polite phrases in daily interactions and customer service.

Q & A

What is the importance of polite language in Finnish, especially in everyday life?

Polite language is crucial in everyday life in Finland, particularly in customer service settings, where it is used to show respect and kindness when making requests or offering assistance.

What is the conditional form in Finnish and why is it important?

The conditional form, also known as the -isi form, is essential for polite language in Finnish. It is used to make requests or ask someone to do something in a polite manner.

Can you provide some examples of sentences using the conditional form?

Examples of conditional form sentences include: 'Could you help me, please?', 'Would you like something to drink?', and 'Could I have a cup of coffee?'. These phrases use the -isi form to make polite requests.

How is the conditional form constructed from Finnish verbs?

To form the conditional, first conjugate the verb in the 'they' form, remove the ending '-vat' or '-vät', and replace it with the conditional ending '-isi' and the appropriate personal ending. For example, the verb 'to want' (haluta): 'he haluavat' (they want) becomes 'haluaisin' (I would like to).

What is the function of the -han or -hän ending in Finnish polite language?

The endings -han or -hän are added to the 'you' form of a verb to ask someone kindly to do something. It makes the request sound more polite and considerate, as in 'Please come on time!' or 'Please close the window!'

In which situations is it appropriate to use 'teitittely', the polite 'te' form?

'Teitittely', or addressing someone using 'te' (the formal plural 'you'), is generally used when speaking to older people or when being exceptionally polite in customer service. For instance, you might ask an elderly person, 'Would you like to sit down?'

Why is 'teitittely' less common in Finnish compared to other languages?

'Teitittely' is less common in Finland because Finnish culture tends to emphasize equality and informality, even in professional and social settings. However, it is still used in specific contexts requiring higher politeness, like addressing elders or customers.

What are some polite expressions that should be used frequently in Finnish conversation?

Polite expressions include 'thank you' when receiving something, 'here you are' when giving something, 'my pleasure' when thanked for helping, and 'I'm sorry' or 'unfortunately' when giving bad news or apologizing for mistakes.

Can you give an example of how to apologize politely in Finnish?

To apologize politely in Finnish, you can say 'Olen pahoillani' (I'm sorry) if you accidentally do something wrong, or 'Valitettavasti' (Unfortunately) when delivering bad news, such as 'Valitettavasti meillä ei ole vapaata pöytää' (Unfortunately, we don't have a free table).

How is polite language in Finnish beneficial in customer service settings?

In customer service, using polite language helps maintain a respectful and professional tone. Conditional forms allow employees to offer services in a kind manner, while customers can make requests politely, creating a pleasant and courteous interaction.