Meaning
A polite way to interrupt or start a question.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'personal space' (oma tila). Using this phrase is like knocking on a door before entering a room. In the north, people might be even more reserved. A slow, calm delivery of 'anteeksi, saanko kysyä' is appreciated. In the capital, people are busier. You might hear a shortened 'Anteeks, voinks kysyy?' Hierarchy is flat, but interrupting someone's focus is a big deal. Always use this phrase before asking a 'quick question'.
The 'i' drop
In casual speech, Finns almost always say 'anteeks' instead of 'anteeksi'. It sounds more natural!
Don't over-apologize
Finns are direct. Say the phrase once, then ask your question. Don't keep saying sorry.
Meaning
A polite way to interrupt or start a question.
The 'i' drop
In casual speech, Finns almost always say 'anteeks' instead of 'anteeksi'. It sounds more natural!
Don't over-apologize
Finns are direct. Say the phrase once, then ask your question. Don't keep saying sorry.
The 'ko' suffix
Remember that '-ko' makes it a question. Without it, 'saanko' becomes 'saan' (I get), which sounds like a command.
Eye contact
When you say this, try to make brief eye contact, but don't stare. A small nod is very Finnish.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase polite.
Anteeksi, ______ kysyä?
You need the first-person singular form 'saan' plus the question suffix '-ko'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask for directions?
You are at the station and need help.
This is the standard polite way to initiate the question.
Complete the dialogue.
Learner: Anteeksi, saanko kysyä, missä on vessa? Stranger: ________.
The stranger should answer the question about the location.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to ask a shopkeeper about a price.
'Hintaa' means price (partitive case).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common Follow-up Questions
Directions
- • missä on...
- • miten pääsen...
Time
- • paljonko kello on?
- • milloin bussi tulee?
Help
- • voitko auttaa?
- • saanko apua?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAnteeksi, ______ kysyä?
You need the first-person singular form 'saan' plus the question suffix '-ko'.
You are at the station and need help.
This is the standard polite way to initiate the question.
Learner: Anteeksi, saanko kysyä, missä on vessa? Stranger: ________.
The stranger should answer the question about the location.
You want to ask a shopkeeper about a price.
'Hintaa' means price (partitive case).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'Anteeksi' alone is enough to get attention, but adding 'saanko kysyä' makes it much more polite and clear.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's the standard way to be polite to strangers.
'Saanko' asks for permission (may I), while 'voinko' asks about ability (can I). 'Saanko' is more polite.
You can add it: 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä teiltä...'. It's very polite but not always necessary for A1/A2 learners.
Say: 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä nopean kysymyksen?'
It's rare, but if they are busy, they might say 'anteeksi, nyt ei käy' (sorry, not now). Just say 'selvä, kiitos' and move on.
Usually, yes. 'Anteeksi, saanko kysyä [jotain]?'
Yes, it's a great way to start a polite inquiry to a customer service agent.
Yes, it can mean both 'excuse me' and 'I'm sorry' (for a minor mistake).
Round your lips like you are going to say 'o', but try to say 'ee'.
Related Phrases
saanko häiritä
similarMay I disturb?
yksi kysymys
specialized formOne question
anteeksi, mitä?
similarPardon, what?
saisinko kysyä
builds onMight I ask
ole hyvä
contrastYou're welcome / Here you go
