I’ve lived in Estonia for my entire adult life, and with that comes the fact that I’ve had to learn, and use, the Estonian language. Now, I’ve come to love it. However, whenever I think back on my first few weeks here, the first thing that comes to mind is how lost I was. Because even though the vast majority of the population speaks English, sometimes the “conversation” was too short. Running into your neighbour on your way out, bumping into someone, think of all these micro-interactions… More importantly, how do you survive them?
That’s why I decided to make a list of my favourite go-to phrases for surviving the first few weeks in Tartu.
Credit: ERR (click here)
1. Tere. (Hello)
The first word you hear when you get off the plane. The first word you learn in most languages. The most important word. Even as someone who speaks Estonian (relatively) fluently, my most used word is still tere. Think of it, you see someone you know while out and about? Tere. You go up to a cashier to pay for something? Tere. Literally every conversation starts with tere.
2. Aitäh. (Thank you)
Estonians, although they might seem a bit cold at first, are actually very polite people. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. I might even go so far as to say it gives you some extra credit, especially with older women. It’s also great when you want to avoid something. Somebody trying to sell you something? Just say aitäh and keep walking. It’s saved me from being late more times than I can count.
3. Vabandust. (Sorry)
Technically, this word only means sorry. But just like in English, we can also use it to say “excuse me” in a quicker way. I think we’ve all had moments where we want to walk through a group of people, better yet when we’ve accidentally walked into someone while not paying attention. Vabandust is an easy way to avoid getting side-eyed in those cases. It’s also a great word to use in cases when you don’t hear someone. Think of it as the equivalent of “sorry I didn’t quite catch that,” just without all the words.
Source: Rahva Raamat Website (click here)
4. Ma Ei Räägi Eesti Keelt (I Don’t Speak Estonian)
Arguably the most important phrase I used throughout my stay here. An easy way to get out of interactions when you just don’t feel like it, but also the most straightforward way to get someone to switch to English. Don’t know what someone is saying? Vabandust, ma ei räägi eesti keelt. Dealing with something important and don’t want to risk miscommunication? Ma ei räägi eesti keelt. Want the person talking to slow down? Ma ei räägi eesti keelt, can you say it slower? Honestly, it’s the most versatile Estonian phrase out there.
5. Ma Ei Saa Aru (I Don’t Understand)
In the same line as ma ei räägi eesti keelt, this phrase is less moldable to the situation. But it’s still crucial to express genuine confusion. Think of someone speaking so fast you can barely make out words. Alternatively, someone giving instructions. Sometimes, they might just be asking you a question. Making direct eye contact and saying “ma ei saa aru” with an expression of genuine confusion can be exactly what you need. Granted, it can also be quite funny if you pause for long enough, but it’s still very effective.
Source: maeisaaaru.ee (click here)
Cover Photo Credit: University of Tartu Website (click here)
All images are the author’s own unless specified otherwise.
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