Meaning
Standard response to how are you.
Cultural Background
Finns value 'asiallisuus' (matter-of-factness). 'Mitäs tässä' is the perfect 'asiallinen' response because it doesn't exaggerate emotions. In the office, this phrase is a way to signal that you are working hard. It's often followed by a mention of being busy. In Eastern Finland, people might use more elaborate variations like 'Mitäpä tässäpä tässä', adding even more clitics for a rhythmic, storytelling feel. On apps like Jodel or Reddit Suomi, 'Mitäs tässä' is often used ironically to describe a chaotic or funny situation.
The 'Finnish Sigh'
Add a small, audible exhale before saying 'Mitäs tässä' to sound 100% more like a native Finn who has had a long day.
Don't over-enunciate
If you say it too clearly and slowly, it sounds like a literal question. Keep it quick and slightly 'mumbled'.
Meaning
Standard response to how are you.
The 'Finnish Sigh'
Add a small, audible exhale before saying 'Mitäs tässä' to sound 100% more like a native Finn who has had a long day.
Don't over-enunciate
If you say it too clearly and slowly, it sounds like a literal question. Keep it quick and slightly 'mumbled'.
The Nod
A small nod of the head while saying this phrase replaces the need for a smile in many Finnish social contexts.
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural response to 'Mitä kuuluu?' when you are at a grocery store.
Naapuri: 'Hei! Mitä kuuluu?' Sinä: '________'
The '-s' clitic makes it the correct idiomatic response.
Complete the sentence to say 'Not much, just waiting for the train.'
Mitäs tässä, ________ junaa.
You are talking about yourself, so you use the first-person singular 'odotan'.
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
Which situation fits 'Mitäs tässä' best?
'Mitäs tässä' is informal and perfect for friends.
Finish the dialogue naturally.
A: Mitäs mies? B: Mitäs tässä, ________.
'Perusarkea vain' (just basic everyday life) is a very common follow-up to 'Mitäs tässä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Mitäs tässä'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Neighbors
- • Colleagues
- • Bus stops
Risky
- • Job interviews
- • First dates
- • Doctors
- • Police
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNaapuri: 'Hei! Mitä kuuluu?' Sinä: '________'
The '-s' clitic makes it the correct idiomatic response.
Mitäs tässä, ________ junaa.
You are talking about yourself, so you use the first-person singular 'odotan'.
Which situation fits 'Mitäs tässä' best?
'Mitäs tässä' is informal and perfect for friends.
A: Mitäs mies? B: Mitäs tässä, ________.
'Perusarkea vain' (just basic everyday life) is a very common follow-up to 'Mitäs tässä'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot at all! It's a very standard, polite-but-casual response. It only sounds rude if your tone is very aggressive.
Yes, if the atmosphere at your workplace is casual. Most Finnish workplaces are quite flat, so it's usually fine.
It's a clitic particle that makes the word more conversational and less like a direct interrogation.
Yes! It's a great way to acknowledge you're 'hanging in there' without having to explain your problems.
Related Phrases
Mitä kuuluu?
similarHow are you?
Tässä sitä ollaan
builds onHere we are.
Eipä kummempia
synonymNothing special.
Mitäs pienistä
similarDon't mention it / No worries.
Tässähän tätä
synonymJust this and that here.
