Here are some basic Estonian phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.
Aitäh | Thanks |
Suur tänu | Thanks very much |
The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:
Võta heaks | You're welcome |
Pole tänu väärt | Don't mention it |
Pole midagi | Not at all |
Saying hello and goodbye
Here are some different ways to greet people:
Tere hommikust | Good morning (used before noon) |
Tere päevast | Good afternoon (used from noon until around 5pm) |
Tere õhtust | Good evening (used from around 5pm) |
The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:
Head aega | Goodbye |
Head ööd | Goodnight |
Nägemist! | See you! |
Näeme! | See you! |
Näeme varsti! | See you soon! |
Head päeva! | Have a nice day! |
Head nädalavahetust! | Have a good weekend! |
Getting someone's attention and apologising
Vabandust | Excuse me (can be used to get someone's attention, to get past someone, or to apologise) |
Vabandage | Sorry |
If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:
Pole midagi | It's OK |
Pole viga | No problem |
Ära muretse | Don't worry about it |
Making yourself understood
Kas te räägite inglise keelt? | Do you speak English? |
Kas te räägite eesti keelt? | Do you speak Estonian? |
Ma ei räägi eesti keelt | I don't speak Estonian |
Ma räägin natuke eesti keelt | I speak a little Estonian |
Palun rääkige aeglasemalt | Please speak more slowly |
Palun kirjutage see üles | Please write it down |
Kas saaksite seda korrata? | Could you please repeat that? |
Ma saan aru | I understand |
Ma ei saa aru | I don't understand |
Other basic phrases
Ma tean | I know |
Ma ei tea | I don't know |
Vabandust, kus asub tualett? | Excuse me, where's the toilet? |
Things you might see
Sissepääs | Entrance |
Väljapääs | Exit |
Varuväljapääs | Emergency exit |
WC | WC |
Tualetid | Toilets |
Härrad | Gentlemen |
Daamid | Ladies |
Vaba | Vacant |
Kinni | Occupied |
Rikkis | Out of order |
Suitsetamine keelatud | No smoking |
Eravaldus | Private |
Sissepääs keelatud | No entry |