Introductory Finnish - Self-study

Pronunciation of the vowels is easier if you have a sense where the vowels are pronounced. The first video
demonstrates where the vowels are pronounced and the second video focuses on the vowel duration.

Summary

• There are 8 vowels in Finnish: a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, ö
• a, o and u are called back vowels because you pronounce them your tongue down and back in your mouth. 
• e, i, ä, ö and y are called front vowels, because you pronounce them your tongue up and front in your mouth. 
• The vowels have two durations, short and long. Compare:
• tapan (I kill)
• tapaan (I meet)