Language/Standard-estonian/Vocabulary/Days,-months-and-seasons
Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will focus on acquiring the Estonian vocabulary related to time, specifically days, months, and seasons. Understanding how to express and talk about time is crucial in any language, as it allows us to communicate effectively and schedule our daily activities. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently discuss dates, months, and seasons in Standard Estonian.
Days of the Week[edit | edit source]
Let's start by learning the days of the week in Estonian. Knowing the days of the week is essential for planning and organizing our schedules.
Here is a table displaying the days of the week in Standard Estonian:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Esmaspäev | ['es.ma.pæːv] | Monday |
| Teisipäev | ['tei.si.pæːv] | Tuesday |
| Kolmapäev | ['kol.ma.pæːv] | Wednesday |
| Neljapäev | ['nel.ja.pæːv] | Thursday |
| Reede | ['reː.de] | Friday |
| Laupäev | ['lau.pæːv] | Saturday |
| Pühapäev | ['py.ha.pæːv] | Sunday |
To remember the days of the week, you can create associations or mnemonic devices. For example, you can think of "Esmaspäev" (Monday) as the day to start fresh and set new goals ("esimene" means "first" in Estonian), or "Laupäev" (Saturday) as the day to relax and enjoy the weekend ("laua" means "table" in Estonian, a symbol of feasting and leisure).
Months of the Year[edit | edit source]
Next, let's explore the months of the year in Estonian. Knowing the months is essential for expressing dates and discussing time-related matters.
Here is a table displaying the months of the year in Standard Estonian:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Jaanuar | ['jaː.nu.ar] | January |
| Veebruar | ['veː.bru.ar] | February |
| Märts | ['mærts] | March |
| Aprill | ['a.pril] | April |
| Mai | ['mai] | May |
| Juuni | ['juː.ni] | June |
| Juuli | ['juː.li] | July |
| August | ['au.gust] | August |
| September | ['sep.tem.ber] | September |
| Oktoober | [ok.toː.ber] | October |
| November | [no.veːm.ber] | November |
| Detsember | ['det.sem.ber] | December |
To remember the months of the year, you can associate them with significant events or characteristics of each month. For example, "Jaanuar" (January) is associated with the name "Jaan" (a popular Estonian male name) and the winter season, while "Juuli" (July) is associated with the summer holidays and warm weather.
Seasons[edit | edit source]
Now, let's move on to discussing the seasons in Estonian. Understanding the seasons is important for describing the weather and planning seasonal activities.
Here are the seasons in Standard Estonian:
Spring[edit | edit source]
In Estonian, "spring" is translated as "kevad." The spring season is characterized by the awakening of nature, blooming flowers, and increasing daylight.
Summer[edit | edit source]
In Estonian, "summer" is translated as "suvi." The summer season is associated with warm weather, vacations, and outdoor activities.
Autumn[edit | edit source]
In Estonian, "autumn" is translated as "sügis." The autumn season is known for its colorful foliage, harvest time, and cooler temperatures.
Winter[edit | edit source]
In Estonian, "winter" is translated as "talv." The winter season is characterized by cold weather, snow, and festive celebrations.
It's important to note that the seasons in Estonia align with the typical seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere. However, due to its geographical location, Estonia experiences long and cold winters, making winter activities such as ice skating and skiing popular among its residents.
Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]
The Estonian language has evolved over centuries and has been influenced by various historical and cultural factors. The days of the week and the months of the year in Estonian reflect the country's cultural heritage and historical connections.
For example, the names of the days of the week in Estonian have their roots in ancient Germanic mythology. The Estonian language has borrowed these names from the Germanic languages, which were spoken by the neighboring tribes in the past. This historical connection showcases the cultural exchange and influences between different regions.
Similarly, the names of the months in Estonian have historical origins. Some of the month names have Slavic or Roman influences, while others have connections to natural phenomena or pagan traditions. Understanding the etymology of these month names provides insights into Estonia's history and cultural heritage.
Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now, let's practice using the vocabulary related to days, months, and seasons in Estonian. Complete the following exercises:
Exercise 1: Days of the Week Match the Estonian days of the week with their English translations.
1. Esmaspäev 2. Teisipäev 3. Kolmapäev 4. Neljapäev 5. Reede 6. Laupäev 7. Pühapäev
A. Monday B. Tuesday C. Wednesday D. Thursday E. Friday F. Saturday G. Sunday
Solution: 1. A 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. E 6. F 7. G
Exercise 2: Months of the Year Match the Estonian months of the year with their English translations.
1. Jaanuar 2. Veebruar 3. Märts 4. Aprill 5. Mai 6. Juuni 7. Juuli 8. August 9. September 10. Oktoober 11. November 12. Detsember
A. January B. February C. March D. April E. May F. June G. July H. August I. September J. October K. November L. December
Solution: 1. A 2. B 3. C 4. D 5. E 6. F 7. G 8. H 9. I 10. J 11. K 12. L
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have now acquired the Estonian vocabulary related to time, including days, months, and seasons. This knowledge will enable you to express dates, discuss time-related matters, and engage in conversations about the seasons. Keep practicing and incorporating these words into your everyday language to reinforce your learning. In the next lesson, we will explore the Estonian vocabulary related to food and drink.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Time
- Fruits
- Drinks
- Animals
- Countries
- Transportation and travel
- Education
- Languages