Introducing yourself to people who speak a different language can be challenging, especially when you are doing it in a foreign language.
Before the trip to Estonia, you may need to learn some Estonian. Why don’t you start with the way to introduce yourself in Estonian? To introduce people to your name is a good start. You can simply say ‘Minu nimi on… (My name is…)’
Introducing yourself helps break the ice when you meet new people. Not everyone is comfortable in front of people they don’t know, but knowing the language in which they are well-versed gives them some confidence. Confidence helps people make a good impression, both in the business and workplace.
Introduction To The Estonian Language!
Estonia is a European country, and Estonian is the language spoken by the natives of that country. Almost 1.1 million people speak this language, and it can be one of the most challenging languages to learn for English-speaking people. Hence, to help all interested people learn Estonian, we have today’s guide.
Learning a new language has several advantages. You can make new friends speaking that particular language, and also you will be able to understand what two people are talking about in that language in front of you. If you’re planning to travel to Estonia, it’s essential to also learn a word or two.
The Estonian language is very similar to the Finnish language since Finland and Russia are neighboring countries. Hence, you will also see several Russian words in the Estonian language. Read further to know more about the Estonian language and pronounce different words while speaking the language.
Steps To Introduce Yourself In Estonian
Start With A Greeting
“Tere”
Hello
After hopping off the airport in Estonia, the first thing you need to do when asking someone for helpi is introducing yourself. You should always start with a polite Estonian greeting. If you are talking to a stranger or an acquaintance, say “Tere”. Alternatively, if he or she belongs to your family or is a close friend, you can opt for “Tšau”, which is pronounced like Italian “Ciao”.
Introduce Yourself
“Minu nimi on Sofia”
My name is Sofia
The next step after a greeting is to introduce yourself. Tell the person your name in Estonian and ask them about theirs. The Estonian version of a few more commonly used words are listed below:
| English | Estonian |
| What is your name? | Mis sinu/teie nimi on? |
| My name is… | Minu nimi on … |
| I am … | Mina Olen… |
| Who are you? | Kes Sina oled / teie olete? |
| Nice to meet you | Meeldiv tutvuda”/ “Väga media |
If you want to open up to new people, get to know them, and make meaningful connections, it is crucial to introduce yourself and get to know others.
Telling Your Age And Birthday In Estonian
“Ma olen 21-aastane”
I am 21 years old
The word “age” in Estonian is “venus”. Knowing how to ask someone’s age or telling someone in the Estonian language is beneficial for booking tickets at the airport, hotels and accommodations in Estonian, etc.
Some of the other common phrases are as follows:
| English | Estonia |
| How old are you? | Kui vana sina old? |
| I am 21 years old | Ma olen 21-aastane |
| When is your birthday | Miller so sünnipäev on? |
| My birthday is on 15 November | Mu sünnipäev on 15. November |
State Where You Belong To
“Ma olen Eestist pärit”
I am from Estonia
If you want to know more about the person in Estonian or give a brief insight about yourself, let us go over a few more Estonian words to have a clear idea. Telling them that you belong to a different country will help them understand your situation, and they might help you find your way across the country.
Estonians are known for their kindness and using polite Estonian words towards strangers and thus you can expect some special treatment once you tell them about your nationality. Below mentioned are the phrases you can use to convey the same.
| English | Estonia |
| Where are you from? | Just said pärit OLED? |
| I am from Estonia | Ma olen Eestist pärit |
| Where do you live? | Kus said elad? |
Share Your Hobbies
“Jah, mulle meeldib jalgpall”
The final step in properly introducing yourself in the Estonian language is to talk about your hobbies. Discussing hobbies in Estonian may help you make new friends who have similar interests.
There are numerous common hobbies among Estonians that you may like, such as listening to songs, dancing, watching dramas, etc. Also, if you are new in the country, stating your hobbies might land you your dream job in Estonia.
The person you are talking to might also introduce you to some experienced persons who have similar interests. This way, you can easily find some cultural hub or a play center where you can make more friends.
| English | Estonian |
| What are your hobbies? | Mis su hobid on? |
| What do you do when you are free? | Millega sa vabal ajal tegeled? |
| Do you like to play football? | Kas sulle meeldib jalgpall? |
| Yes, I like to play football. | Jah, mulle meeldib jalgpall. |
| No, I don’t like to play football. | Ei, mulle ei meeldi jalgpall. |
| No, I prefer to play volleyball. | Ei, ma eelistan võrkpalli. |
| What do you like to do? | Mida sulle teha meeldib? |
| I like to travel. | Mulle meeldib reisida. |
The Bottom Line
Learning a new language is fun and challenging. There are many things that you get to know, and also it makes it easy for you to make new friends. For a Finnish speaker, learning this language is easy, and for an English speaker, it is challenging.
However, knowing the Estonian language will be a cakewalk if you are determined. Follow the instructions mentioned in this article to strike up a conversation with a stranger in Estonia.
You can develop meaningful relations and have deeper conversations by learning a new language. We all know that learning a language has several benefits, so why not begin your free lessons with the Ling app right away?
Learn the language conveniently with the help of the Ling app.
