Language/Standard-estonian/Vocabulary/Family-and-friends

Standard Estonian → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Introduction to Estonian vocabulary → Family and friends

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the vocabulary related to family members and friends in Standard Estonian. Understanding and being able to talk about family and friends is an essential part of language learning, as these topics are commonly discussed in everyday conversations. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently talk about your family members and friends in Estonian.

Family Members

Knowing the Estonian words for different family members is important for communicating effectively. Let's start by learning the vocabulary for immediate family members:

Parents

Here are the words for mother and father in Estonian:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
ema	['eːma]	mother
isa	['iːsa]	father

Siblings

Now, let's learn the words for siblings:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
õde	['ɤde]	sister
vend	['ʋend]	brother

Grandparents

Here are the words for grandparents:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
vanaema	['ʋanæːma]	grandmother
vanaisa	['ʋanaisa]	grandfather
(m)ormor	['mormor]	maternal grandmother
(m)orfar	['morfar]	maternal grandfather
(f)armor	['farmor]	paternal grandmother
(f)arfar	['farfar]	paternal grandfather

Children

Now, let's learn the words for children:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
tütar	['tytar]	daughter
poeg	[poeg]	son

Other Family Members

Here are some additional family members:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
tädi	['tæːdi]	aunt
onu	['onu]	uncle
nõbu	['nɤbu]	cousin
vanemad	['ʋanemad]	parents
laps	[laps]	child
lapselapsed	['lapsælæpseð]	grandchildren

Friends

In addition to family members, it is important to be able to talk about friends. Here are some words related to friends in Estonian:

Friends

Here is the word for friend in Estonian:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
sõber	['sɤber]	friend

Best Friends

Now, let's learn the word for best friend:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
parim sõber	['parim 'sɤber]	best friend

Acquaintances

Here is the word for acquaintance in Estonian:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
tuttav	['tuttav]	acquaintance

Colleagues

Now, let's learn the word for colleague:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English
kolleeg	['kɔlːeːk]	colleague

Cultural Insights

In Estonian culture, family plays a significant role. Family bonds are highly valued, and it is common for extended families to live close to each other and maintain strong connections. Estonians often gather for family celebrations and holidays, such as birthdays and Christmas. Family members are seen as a source of support and are relied upon during times of need.

Estonians also place great importance on friendship. Friendships are built on trust, loyalty, and shared interests. It is common for Estonians to have a small circle of close friends with whom they have deep connections. Estonians value honesty and directness in their friendships and appreciate spending quality time together.

Exercises

Now, let's practice using the vocabulary we have learned in some exercises:

Exercise 1

Match the Estonian words for family members with their English translations:

• ema
• isa
• õde
• vend
• vanaema
• vanaisa
• tütar
• poeg
• tädi
• onu

Solution:

• mother
• father
• sister
• brother
• grandmother
• grandfather
• daughter
• son
• aunt
• uncle

Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct Estonian words for family members: 1. Minu __________ on hea kokk. 2. Mul on kaks __________ ja üks __________. 3. __________ on minu isa ema.

Solution: 1. ema 2. õde, vend 3. vanaema

Exercise 3

Translate the following sentences from English to Estonian: 1. My best friend is coming to visit me. 2. I have two brothers and one sister. 3. Her grandparents live in the countryside.

Solution: 1. Minu parim sõber tuleb mind külastama. 2. Mul on kaks venda ja üks õde. 3. Tema vanavanemad elavad maal.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned the Estonian vocabulary for family members and friends. Being able to talk about these topics will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Estonian. Keep practicing and using these words in conversations to solidify your understanding. In the next lesson, we will explore the vocabulary related to transportation and travel in Estonian.

Table of Contents - Standard Estonian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Estonian

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Cases
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Hobbies and Free Time

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Declension
• Adverbs

  ---

Food and Dining

• Food and Drinks
• Eating Out

  ---

Estonian Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

At Home and Work

• Home and Furniture
• Work and Professions

  ---

Estonian History

• Historical Overview
• Estonian Language History

  ---

Negation and Questions

• Negation
• Question Words and Formation

Other Lessons

• Time
• Feelings and Emotions
• Days, months and seasons
• Greetings and introductions
• Clothes
• Count to 10
• Languages
• Countries
• Food and drink
• Family