Meaning
Greeting someone after they have returned.
Cultural Background
Returning from the four-week summer holiday in August is a major event. Saying 'Tervetuloa takaisin' is essential for maintaining good office relations. If someone has been away for a long time, welcoming them back often includes an invitation to sauna. It's the ultimate 'welcome back' gesture. Finns often 'disappear' to their cottages. Returning to the city is seen as a return to 'civilization' and routine. The greeting is usually brief. Finns don't typically engage in long, flowery welcoming ceremonies; a sincere 'Tervetuloa takaisin' is enough.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. Just 'Tervetuloa takaisin' is a complete and perfect sentence.
Use the destination
Adding the destination (e.g., 'kotiin', 'töihin') makes the greeting feel more personal and warm.
Meaning
Greeting someone after they have returned.
Keep it simple
You don't need to add anything else. Just 'Tervetuloa takaisin' is a complete and perfect sentence.
Use the destination
Adding the destination (e.g., 'kotiin', 'töihin') makes the greeting feel more personal and warm.
Don't welcome yourself
Remember, if you are the one arriving, say 'Kiva olla takaisin' instead.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the greeting.
Tervetuloa ________ kotiin!
'Takaisin' is the standard word for 'back' in this greeting.
Which sentence is the most natural way to welcome a colleague back from vacation?
Valitse oikea vaihtoehto:
This uses the correct phrase and the illative case for 'work' (töihin).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Olen vihdoin kotona! B: ________
When someone says they are home, you welcome them back.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Someone returns from a trip to Sweden.
You welcome them back to the country they have returned to (Finland).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to Welcome Someone Back
Places
- • Kotiin (Home)
- • Toimistolle (Office)
- • Suomeen (Finland)
Situations
- • Lomalta (From holiday)
- • Sairaslomalta (From sick leave)
- • Matkalta (From a trip)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTervetuloa ________ kotiin!
'Takaisin' is the standard word for 'back' in this greeting.
Valitse oikea vaihtoehto:
This uses the correct phrase and the illative case for 'work' (töihin).
A: Olen vihdoin kotona! B: ________
When someone says they are home, you welcome them back.
Someone returns from a trip to Sweden.
You welcome them back to the country they have returned to (Finland).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but 'Tervetuloa takaisin' specifically acknowledges that the person has been there before, which is more polite for returnees.
'Takas' is a very common spoken-language (puhekieli) version of 'takaisin'. Use it with friends!
The most common response is 'Kiitos!' (Thanks!) or 'Kiitos, kiva olla takaisin' (Thanks, nice to be back).
It is two words: 'Tervetuloa' and 'takaisin'. However, 'Tervetuloa' itself is a compound that is always written as one word.
Absolutely. It's a very common way to start an email to a colleague returning from leave.
The phrase remains exactly the same: 'Tervetuloa takaisin'. Finnish adverbs and this specific interjection don't change for plural subjects.
Related Phrases
Tervetuloa kotiin
specialized formWelcome home
Kiva kun palasit
similarNice that you returned
Tervetuloa taas
similarWelcome again
Hyvää paluumatkaa
contrastHave a good return journey
