Learn Hardcore Finnish: Anteeksi.

Yes, anteeksi is commonly used in all kinds of contexts—whether you’re speaking to a stranger, a friend, or someone in a professional environment. It’s a polite and neutral way to say “excuse me” or “sorry.”

Can I use anteeksi to get someone’s attention?

Absolutely! If you want to ask for directions or interrupt politely, saying anteeksi before your question lets the other person know you’re about to speak to them. Think of it like saying “excuse me” in English to start a conversation politely.

How is anteeksi pronounced?

You can break it down as an-teek-see. The final i is a short “ee” sound, similar to the “ee” in “see,” with stress typically falling on the first syllable in Finnish words: AN-teek-see.

Are there any shorter or more colloquial ways to say anteeksi?

Some Finns might shorten it in speech to something like anteeks (dropping the final “i”), but it’s more casual. In more formal or polite situations, it’s best to use the full anteeksi.