Meaning
Asking for the price of an item.
Cultural Background
Finns are very direct. You don't need to say 'please' (olkaa hyvä) as much as in English, but starting with 'Anteeksi' (Excuse me) is polite. Finland has a huge 'kirpputori' (flea market) culture. It's one of the few places where you might negotiate the price slightly. Finland is nearly cashless. Even after asking the price, you'll likely pay with a card or phone. The price you are told is almost always the final price. Hidden fees or taxes added at the register (like in the US) are not a thing in Finland.
Use 'tää' in cities
In Helsinki, saying 'Paljonko tää on?' will make you sound more like a local.
Don't haggle in shops
Fixed prices are the rule in Finland. Only haggle at flea markets or when buying a car.
Meaning
Asking for the price of an item.
Use 'tää' in cities
In Helsinki, saying 'Paljonko tää on?' will make you sound more like a local.
Don't haggle in shops
Fixed prices are the rule in Finland. Only haggle at flea markets or when buying a car.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to ask for the price.
Paljonko tämä _______?
'Maksaa' is the correct 3rd person singular verb form.
Which is the most natural way to ask for a price in a casual Finnish shop?
A: Paljonko tämä maksaa? B: Mikä on rahan määrä? C: Anna minulle hinta.
A is the standard, natural phrase.
Match the Finnish words to their English meanings.
1. Paljonko, 2. Tämä, 3. Maksaa
Direct translation of the components.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Asiakas: Anteeksi, ______ tämä leipä maksaa? Myyjä: Se on kaksi euroa.
'Paljonko' is used to ask for an amount/price.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Paljonko tämä maksaa?'
Shopping
- • Clothing store
- • Grocery store
- • Bookstore
Travel
- • Ticket office
- • Taxi
- • Souvenir shop
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPaljonko tämä _______?
'Maksaa' is the correct 3rd person singular verb form.
A: Paljonko tämä maksaa? B: Mikä on rahan määrä? C: Anna minulle hinta.
A is the standard, natural phrase.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation of the components.
Asiakas: Anteeksi, ______ tämä leipä maksaa? Myyjä: Se on kaksi euroa.
'Paljonko' is used to ask for an amount/price.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct, but 'Paljonko' is more common and concise.
No, that would imply buying a person! Use it only for goods and services.
Use 'tuo' instead of 'tämä': 'Paljonko tuo maksaa?'.
For 'this' (tämä), use 'maksaa'. For 'these' (nämä), use 'maksavat'.
In a shop, no. In a social setting, it might be seen as nosy.
Paljonko se on yhteensä?
It's the Finnish question particle that turns the word into an inquiry.
Yes, it's very common and perfectly understood.
It also means 'to pay' and 'liver' (the organ), though context makes it clear!
In slang, you might just hear 'Hinta?' (Price?).
Related Phrases
Mitä tämä maksaa?
synonymWhat does this cost?
Paljonko tää on?
informalHow much is this?
Se on kallis
contrastIt is expensive
Se on halpa
contrastIt is cheap
