Basic Words

1. Jah

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Ei

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Palun

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   Covers both "please" and "you're welcome"

4. Aitäh

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   The basic thanks; "Suur aitäh" intensifies it

5. Vabandage

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   The polite plural form, used to get someone's attention

6. Mul on kahju

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   Expresses regret; "Vabandust" also works as an apology

7. Kõik on korras

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

8. Ma ei saa aru

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I do not get understanding"; "saama aru" means "to understand"

9. Ma saan aru

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Ma olen valmis

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Palun oodake

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    The polite plural imperative; use "oota" with friends

12. Üks hetk

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Üks täiskasvanu, palun

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Mul ei ole broneeringut

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Estonian expresses possession with "mul on" — literally "on me there is"

15. Mul on broneering

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Palun aidake mind

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Appi!"

17. Veel kord, palun

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Palun rääkige aeglaselt

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Ma räägin natuke eesti keelt

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will slow down

20. Kas te räägite inglise keelt?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    "Kas" marks a yes/no question; "te" is the polite second person

21. see

    This

    Usage

    Point at something in front of you to order or confirm it

22. too

    That (over there)

    Usage

    Bookish word for a distant object; in everyday speech "see" covers "that" as well

23. siin

    Here

    Usage

    The spot you are at; useful for telling a driver where to stop

24. seal

    There

    Usage

    Estonian place deixis is two-way (siin / seal); it does not distinguish "there" from "over there"

25. mina

    I / me

    Usage

    Refers to yourself; the short form "ma" is more common in speech

26. teie

    You (polite)

    Usage

    Polite form for strangers and elders; travellers should default to this

27. sina

    You (informal)

    Usage

    For friends and peers; the short form is "sa"

28. koos

    Together

    Usage

    Indicate sitting, going, or paying together

29. kohe

    Right now

    Usage

    Signals urgency; stronger than "praegu" (now)

30. üks inimene

    One person

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or shop how many of you there are

31. kaks inimest

    Two people

    Usage

    Numerals above one take the partitive, hence "inimest" rather than "inimene"

32. kolm inimest

    Three people

    Usage

    Swap the numeral to state any party size

Browse all TravelPhrases languages