näkemi

Näkemi is a Finnish word that translates to "goodbye" or "see you later" in English. It is a common and informal farewell used in everyday conversation among Finnish speakers. The word is derived from the Finnish verb "nähdä," meaning "to see." Therefore, "näkemi" literally implies "until we see each other again."

This expression is a versatile and friendly way to end a conversation or part ways with someone. It can be used in various contexts, from casual encounters with friends to more formal situations where a polite farewell is appropriate. Unlike some languages that have distinct formal and informal goodbyes, "näkemi" generally fits most situations, though variations might exist for very formal settings.

The pronunciation of "näkemi" is straightforward for those familiar with Finnish phonetics. The "ä" sound is similar to the "a" in "cat," and the "k" and "m" sounds are standard. The stress typically falls on the first syllable.

In addition to "näkemi," other Finnish farewells exist, such as "hei hei" (bye bye), "moikka" (hi/bye, informal), and "hyvästi" (goodbye, often implying a longer or more permanent separation). However, "näkemi" remains one of the most frequently used and widely understood ways to say goodbye in Finland.