Language/Standard-estonian/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions

Standard Estonian Vocabulary - Idiomatic expressions

Hi Standard Estonian learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn some of the most common idiomatic expressions used in Standard Estonian. We will also provide cultural information and interesting facts to help you understand and remember these expressions. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't forget to use them in conversations with native speakers and ask them any questions!

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 1. 1. "Küünte peal olema"

One of the most commonly used idiomatic expressions in Standard Estonian is "küünte peal olema". Literally translated, it means "to be on nails", but it is used to convey that someone is in a difficult situation, is faced with a problem, or is in a tight spot.

Example:

• Person 1: Ma olen unustanud oma telefoni koju. (I have forgotten my phone at home.)
• Person 2: Sa oled küünte peal. (You are in a tight spot.)

1. 1. 1. "Päev päeva järel"

Another common expression used in Standard Estonian is "päev päeva järel", which means "day after day". It is used to describe a monotonous or repetitive routine.

Example:

• Person 1: Kuidas sul elu sujub? (How's life going?)
• Person 2: Oh, päev päeva järel tööd. (Oh, just work day after day.)

1. 1. 1. "Näpud põhjas"

The expression "näpud põhjas" means "fingers at the bottom" and is used to describe someone who has no money left.

Example:

• Person 1: Kas sa tahaksid minuga välja minna? (Do you want to go out with me?)
• Person 2: Kahjuks ei saa, näpud põhjas. (Unfortunately, I can't, I'm broke.)

1. 1. 1. "Kellegi südame sulatama"

If someone is "südame sulatama", it means that they are trying to win someone's heart or affection.

Example:

• Person 1: Mari näeb täna välja eriti armas. (Mari looks especially lovely today.)
• Person 2: Kas sa üritad tema südant sulatada? (Are you trying to win her heart?)

1. 1. 1. "Magus uni"

"Magus uni" means "sweet sleep" and is used to describe a good night's rest or a peaceful sleep.

Example:

• Person 1: Kuidas sa magasid? (How did you sleep?)
• Person 2: Väga hästi, täna öösel oli mul magus uni. (Very well, I had a peaceful sleep tonight.)

1. 1. 1. "Näpuga viibutamine"

"Näpuga viibutamine" means "finger pointing" and is used to describe the act of blaming someone for something without evidence.

Example:

• Person 1: Miks sa arvad, et see tema süü on? (Why do you think it's his fault?)
• Person 2: Ma ei tea, lihtsalt näpuga viibutamine. (I don't know, just finger pointing.)

1. 1. 1. "Tuld võtma"

When someone says "Tuld võtma", it means that they are ready for action, and they are eager to start something.

Example:

• Person 1: Kas sa oled valmis? (Are you ready?)
• Person 2: Jah, ma olen tuld võtmas! (Yes, I am ready for action!)

1. 1. 1. "Suu vett täis"

"Suu vett täis" means "mouth full of water" and is used to describe a feeling of being full, especially after eating or drinking.

Example:

• Person 1: Kas sa tahad veel kooki? (Do you want more cake?)
• Person 2: Ei, tänan. Mul on suu vett täis. (No, thank you. I am full.)

1. 1. Dialogue

• Person 1: Mul on täna nii palju tööd teha, ma ei tea, kuidas ma sellega hakkama saan. (I have so much work to do today, I don't know how to handle it.)
• Person 2: Ära muretse, sa oled küünte peal. (Don't worry, you can handle it.)
• Person 1: Ma olen viimasel ajal nii väsinud. (I have been so tired lately.)
• Person 2: Sa pead ennast rohkem välja puhkama. Päev päeva järel töötamine võib sind tühjaks kurnata. (You need to rest more. Working day after day can drain you.)
• Person 1: Kas sa tahad minuga restorani minna? (Do you want to go to a restaurant with me?)
• Person 2: Kahjuks ei saa, näpud põhjas. (Unfortunately, I can't, I'm broke.)
• Person 1: Ma arvan, et mul hakkab südamest liiga saama. (I think I am falling in love.)
• Person 2: Kas üritad tema südant sulatada? (Are you trying to win her heart?)
• Person 1: Ma magasin täna öösel nii hästi. (I slept so well tonight.)
• Person 2: Mul oli ka magus uni. (I had a peaceful sleep too.)
• Person 1: Kõik süüdistavad mind, aga tegelikult pole mul midagi pistmist sellega. (Everyone is blaming me, but I actually have nothing to do with it.)
• Person 2: Ära pahanda, see on lihtsalt näpuga viibutamine. (Don't worry, it's just finger pointing.)
• Person 1: Kas sa oled valmis jooksma? (Are you ready to run?)
• Person 2: Jah, ma olen tuld võtmas! (Yes, I am ready for action!)
• Person 1: Ma ei jõua enam süüa, mul on suu vett täis. (I can't eat anymore, I am full.)
• Person 2: Lõpuks ometi! (Finally!)

1. 1. Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned some of the most common idiomatic expressions used in Standard Estonian along with some cultural information and interesting facts to help you understand and remember them. Don't forget to practice using these expressions in conversations with native speakers and improve your Standard Estonian vocabulary.

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