Most Common Phrases in Estonian (English Translations)

Estonian, the national language of Estonia, may seem challenging to learn. However, mastering some common phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience or language learning journey. Whether you’re planning a trip to the beautiful Baltics or simply curious about this unique language, here are some essential Estonian phrases with English translations to help you navigate daily interactions.

From greetings and farewells to ordering food or seeking help, these phrases will make your time in Estonia more enjoyable and rewarding. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• Learning common Estonian phrases can enhance your travel experience or language learning journey.
• These phrases cover greetings, farewells, getting to know people, language skills, seeking help, ordering a taxi, dining out, and being polite.
• Practice these phrases and use resources like the Lingvist app to expand your Estonian language skills.
• Remember to be polite and courteous in your interactions with Estonian speakers.
• Jõudu tööle! (Strength for the work!)

Greetings and Farewells in Estonian

In Estonian culture, it’s important to greet and bid farewell to someone properly. Mastering the basics of greetings and farewells can help you make a positive impression and show respect. Here are some common Estonian phrases for greetings and farewells:

Greetings:

1. Tere – Hello

2. Tervist – Greetings

3. Tere hommikust – Good morning

4. Tere päevast – Good day

5. Tere õhtust – Good evening

Farewells:

1. Head aega – Goodbye

2. Jää nägemist – Farewell

3. Nägemist – Goodbye (informal)

4. Head ööd – Good night

5. Head nädalavahetust – Have a good weekend

Remember to use a polite tone and maintain eye contact when greeting or bidding farewell to someone in Estonia.

Secondary greetings

In certain situations, it’s important to keep the conversation flowing after the initial greeting. Here are some common secondary greetings in Estonian to help you spark a conversation and show your interest:

1. Tere! Kuidas sul läheb? (Hello! How are you?)
2. Tere! Mis tuuled puhuvad? (Hello! What’s new?)
3. Tere! Mis sind siia toob? (Hello! What brings you here?)
4. Tere! Kas sa tunned siin kedagi? (Hello! Do you know anyone here?)
5. Tere! Mis on sinu lemmik tegevus siin linnas? (Hello! What’s your favorite thing to do in this city?)

Using these secondary greetings will show your genuine interest in the conversation and create opportunities for further engagement. Keep the conversation going by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to the other person’s responses.

Example Dialogue:

Person A: Tere! Kuidas sul läheb? (Hello! How are you?)

Person B: Tere! Väga hästi, aitäh! Kuidas sul endal läheb? (Hello! Very well, thank you! How about yourself?)

Person A: Ka väga hästi, tänu küsimast! Mis tuuled puhuvad? (Also very well, thank you for asking! What’s new?)

Person B: Just naasin välisreisilt, seega palju uusi kogemusi! (Just came back from a trip abroad, so lots of new experiences!)

Engaging in conversation with secondary greetings allows you to connect more deeply with the other person and build rapport. Remember to be genuinely interested and listen actively to make the conversation more meaningful.

Getting to know each other

When you’re meeting someone in Estonia, taking the time to get to know them can create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Here are some phrases to help you initiate conversations and learn more about the person you’re talking to:

Asking for the name

If you want to ask someone for their name, you can use the following phrases:

“Kuidas teie nimi on?” (What is your name?)

“Mis on teie nimi?” (What is your name?)

Asking about the origin

To inquire about someone’s origin or where they are from, you can use the following expressions:

“Kust te pärit olete?” (Where are you from?)

“Mis on teie koduriik?” (What is your home country?)

“Kuhu kuulub teie kodulinn?” (Which city do you come from?)

Using these phrases, you can create meaningful connections and engage in interesting conversations that go beyond just pleasantries.

Remember, making an effort to learn a few phrases in Estonian can go a long way in building relationships and showing appreciation for the local culture.

Cultural Insight

In Estonia, personal space is highly valued. When meeting someone for the first time, it’s common to maintain a respectful distance and avoid excessive physical contact. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are considered polite and professional.

Do you speak…?

When communicating with someone in Estonia, it can be helpful to know if they speak English or if they understand Estonian. Here are some phrases you can use to inquire about someone’s language skills:

Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?

Translation: Do you speak English?

Kas sa saad aru eesti keelt?

Translation: Do you understand Estonian?

If the person you are speaking to responds positively, you can continue the conversation in the respective language. If not, don’t worry! Many Estonians have a good command of English and are usually willing to help. Alternatively, you can use a translation app or phrasebook to communicate your needs.

Useful phrases related to language skills:

• Ma ei räägi eesti keelt. – I don’t speak Estonian.
• Räägi palun aeglasemalt. – Please speak slower.
• Kas sa saad mind aidata inglise keeles? – Can you help me in English?
• Kuidas ütelda seda inglise keeles? – How do you say this in English?

Remember, learning a few basic Estonian phrases can go a long way in creating a positive impression and showing respect for the local culture. So don’t hesitate to practice and use these language skills during your time in Estonia!

Getting attention when you need help

In certain situations, you may find yourself in need of assistance while in Estonia. Whether you require immediate help or have a general question, it’s essential to know how to effectively communicate your needs. Here are some useful phrases to help you ask for help in Estonian:

“Palun aidake mind!” – Please help me!

“Kas saaksite mind aidata?” – Could you please help me?

“Vabandage, kas oskate mind aidata?” – Excuse me, can you help me?

“Mul on abi vaja!” – I need assistance!

If you’re facing an emergency situation, it’s crucial to know how to ask for help in Estonian. Here are some emergency phrases that could prove invaluable:

“Hädaolukord!” – Emergency!

“Palun helistage abi saamiseks hädaabinumbrile!” – Please call the emergency number for help!

“Vajan kiiresti arsti!” – I need a doctor urgently!

“Vajan abi politsei kutsumiseks!” – I need help calling the police!

Useful phrases

If you’re looking for assistance but it’s not an emergency, here are some additional phrases you can use:

• “Kas saaksite mind juhatada?” – Could you direct me?
• “Kas oskate öelda, kus on lähim apteek?” – Can you tell me where the nearest pharmacy is?
• “Vabandage, kas te saate mind selgituste osas aidata?” – Excuse me, can you help me with directions?
• “Kas keegi siin räägib inglise keelt?” – Does anyone here speak English?

Remember, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed. Estonians are generally friendly and willing to lend a helping hand.

Local knowledge

If you’re having difficulty communicating or need additional assistance, consider approaching a local information center, where staff members are knowledgeable about the surrounding area and can provide guidance.

Ordering a taxi in Estonia

If you find yourself in need of a taxi in Estonia, it’s important to know some key phrases to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, having these Estonian taxi phrases at your disposal can help you navigate the transportation system with ease.

Here are some useful phrases when ordering a taxi in Estonia:

“Taksot, palun.” (Taxi, please.)

“Palun sõitma .” (Please take me to .)

“Kas saaksite mulle tellida takso?” (Could you order a taxi for me, please?)

“Kui kaua see tavaliselt võtab?” (How long does it usually take?)

It’s also recommended to know the Estonian word for taxi, which is “takso.” This word can come in handy when trying to catch a taxi on the street or when asking locals for directions to a nearby taxi stand.

Remember to be polite and respectful when interacting with taxi drivers. Saying “tervist” (hello) and “aitäh” (thank you) can go a long way in establishing a positive rapport.

Note: It’s important to understand that not all taxi drivers in Estonia speak English fluently. Having a translation app or a phrasebook on hand can be helpful in case of any language barriers.

To further assist you in ordering a taxi, here’s a simple table outlining the key Estonian taxi phrases and their English translations:

At a cafe or restaurant

If you’re dining at a cafe or restaurant in Estonia, these phrases can come in handy:

1. Ordering Food

When you’re ready to order, use these phrases to communicate your meal preferences:

2. Making Special Requests

If you have any special dietary needs or preferences, use these phrases to make requests:

1. Kas on võimalik tellida toidutalumatusega arvestades?
2. Kas saaksite mu toiduainesid modifitseerida?
3. Kas saaksin toitu ilma selleta, palun?

3. Asking for the Bill

When you’re ready to pay, use these phrases to ask for the bill:

• Kas ma saaksin arve?
• Kas ma võiksin palun maksta?

Use these phrases to navigate your dining experience in Estonia and enjoy the delicious local cuisine!

Being Polite

Estonians value politeness and showing courtesy is important in their culture. By using these polite phrases in Estonian, you can make a good impression and enhance your interactions with locals:

• Palun – Please
• Aitäh – Thank you
• Vabandage – Excuse me, I’m sorry
• Palun vabandust – I apologize
• Ole hea – Please, here you go
• Tänan, mul on hea meel – Thank you, I appreciate it
• Suur tänu – Many thanks

Remember to use these phrases when interacting with locals, whether it’s asking for assistance, ordering at a restaurant, or simply engaging in a conversation. Being polite and courteous will help you navigate daily interactions in Estonia more smoothly.

“Palun” and “aitäh” are two essential phrases to use when communicating in Estonian. These polite expressions show respect and gratitude, creating a positive atmosphere in your conversations.

Conclusion

Learning common phrases in Estonian can greatly enhance your travel experience or language learning journey. Whether you’re greeting someone, ordering food, or seeking help, these phrases will help you navigate daily interactions in Estonia with ease. It’s important to practice these phrases and continue expanding your Estonian language skills.

To further enhance your learning experience, consider using resources like the Lingvist app. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive language lessons, you can continue to develop your Estonian vocabulary and fluency. Remember, language learning is a journey, so embrace the process and enjoy the rewards that come with understanding and communicating in Estonian.

Jõudu tööle! (Strength for the work!)