Basic phrases

Here are some basic Estonian phrases which you can use in everyday conversation, as well as some common words you will see on signs.

JahYes
EiNo
Võib-ollaMaybe
PalunPlease
AitähThanks
Suur tänuThanks very much

The following are some polite ways you can reply to someone who thanks you:

Võta heaksYou're welcome
Pole tänu väärtDon't mention it
Pole midagiNot at all

Saying hello and goodbye

Here are some different ways to greet people:

TereHi
TervistHello
Tere hommikustGood morning (used before noon)
Tere päevastGood afternoon (used from noon until around 5pm)
Tere õhtustGood evening (used from around 5pm)

The following expressions, on the other hand, are some different things you can say when saying goodbye:

Head aegaGoodbye
Head öödGoodnight
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

VabandustExcuse me (can be used to get someone's attention, to get past someone, or to apologise)
VabandageSorry

If someone apologises to you, you can reply using one of the following expressions:

Pole midagiIt's OK
Pole vigaNo problem
Ära muretseDon'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 keeltI don't speak Estonian
Ma räägin natuke eesti keeltI speak a little Estonian
Palun rääkige aeglasemaltPlease speak more slowly
Palun kirjutage see ülesPlease write it down
Kas saaksite seda korrata?Could you please repeat that?
Ma saan aruI understand
Ma ei saa aruI don't understand

Other basic phrases

Ma teanI know
Ma ei teaI don't know
Vabandust, kus asub tualett?Excuse me, where's the toilet?

Things you might see

SissepääsEntrance
VäljapääsExit
VaruväljapääsEmergency exit
LükkaPush
TõmbaPull
WCWC
TualetidToilets
HärradGentlemen
DaamidLadies
VabaVacant
KinniOccupied
RikkisOut of order
Suitsetamine keelatudNo smoking
EravaldusPrivate
Sissepääs keelatudNo entry
sound

Sound is available for all the Estonian phrases on this page — simply click on any phrase to hear it.

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