Essential Vocabulary for YKI Intermediate

Passing the YKI intermediate exam (levels 3 and 4) requires a solid vocabulary. You are expected to understand texts on work, society, environment, health, and current events. Here are key vocabulary groups that frequently appear in reading and listening tasks.

1. Working Life (Työelämä)

Questions about job hunting, contracts, and workplace environments are very common on the exam. Make sure you know these terms:

• Työhakemus – Job application
• Työsopimus – Employment contract
• Määräaikainen työ – Fixed-term job
• Kokoaikatyö – Full-time work
• Palkkaus – Salary/pay
• Etätyö – Remote work

2. Health and Well-being (Terveys ja Hyvinvointi)

You may have to write an email describing an illness, or listen to a phone call to a clinic:

• Sairausloma – Sick leave
• Oire – Symptom
• Lääkärinilmoitus – Doctor's note
• Ajanvaraus – Appointment booking
• Rokotus – Vaccination
• Hyvinvointialue – Well-being services county

3. Society and Opinions (Yhteiskunta ja Mielipiteet)

YKI writing tasks often ask you to state your opinion on a social issue. These verbs and nouns will help you express yourself:

• Mielipide – Opinion
• Olla samaa mieltä – To agree
• Olla eri mieltä – To disagree
• Keskustella – To discuss
• Vaikuttaa – To influence
• Verotus – Taxation

YKI Exam Tip: You don't need to know every single word on the paper. Focus on understanding the context and looking for synonyms. The questions are rarely phrased using the exact words from the text.

Practice Vocabulary with YKIprep

Our app contains dedicated flashcards and vocabulary exercises covering all 200 key terms. The AI conversation partner will prompt you to use these terms in simulated work or health scenarios, reinforcing your memory.