Puhuttelumuodot

Puhuttelumuodot, meaning forms of address in Finnish, refers to the various ways people are addressed in conversation. These forms are crucial for conveying politeness, respect, and social distance. The most common and neutral form of address is the use of first names, especially among peers or in informal settings. When addressing someone older or in a position of authority, a more formal approach is typically employed.

Titles are frequently used in formal situations. Common titles include herra (Mr.), rouva (Mrs.), and neiti (Miss) followed by the surname. Professional titles such as professori (professor), tohtori (doctor), or johtaja (director) are also used to show respect for a person's position or achievement. In spoken Finnish, it is common to omit the title and simply use the surname when addressing someone formally, though this is less common in writing.

The pronoun "te" (you, plural/formal) is used instead of "sinä" (you, singular/informal) when addressing someone formally, directly or indirectly through other forms of address. This distinction is a key marker of politeness in Finnish. The choice of puhuttelumuoto depends heavily on the context, the relationship between the speakers, and the desired level of formality. Misusing these forms can be perceived as rude or overly familiar. Greetings also play a significant role; "Hei" and "Moi" are informal, while "Hyvää päivää" (Good day) or "Terve" are more neutral or slightly formal.