Grammar Essentials in Estonian (Pronouns, Prepositions)

Pronouns
Just like in English, pronouns in Estonian are used to replace nouns to avoid repetition and to simplify sentences. Estonian pronouns include personal, possessive, demonstrative, interrogative, relative, and indefinite pronouns.

Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns in Estonian come in different forms depending on the case they are in. Let’s look at the nominative (subject) case:

– Mina (I)
– Sina (you, singular)
– Tema (he/she)
– Meie (we)
– Teie (you, plural)
– Nemad (they)

Mina lähen poodi.
Meaning: I am going to the store.

Possessive Pronouns
These pronouns indicate ownership. In Estonian, possessive pronouns also correspond to the person and number, and reflect the case of the noun they are associated with. Examples include:

– Minu (my)
– Sinu (your, singular)
– Tema (his/her)
– Meie (our)
– Teie (your plural)
– Nende (their)

Kas see on sinu raamat?
Meaning: Is this your book?

Demonstrative Pronouns
These pronouns are used to point to specific things or people:

– See (this)
– Too (that)

See koer on suur.
Meaning: This dog is big.

Prepositions
Prepositions in Estonian indicate relationships between various elements within a sentence, encompassing location, direction, time, and other abstract connections. Below are some Estonian prepositions:

Ees (in front of)

Kass istub auto ees.
Meaning: The cat sits in front of the car.

Taga (behind)

Maja taga on aed.
Meaning: There is a garden behind the house.

Vahel (between)

Pliiats on raamatu vahel.
Meaning: The pencil is between the book.

All (under)

Koer magab laua all.
Meaning: The dog sleeps under the table.

Kõrval (next to)

Tallinn asub Helsingi kõrval.
Meaning: Tallinn is next to Helsinki.

Peal (on top of)

Raamat on laua peal.
Meaning: The book is on top of the table.

By familiarizing yourself with these pronouns and prepositions, you can start forming basic sentences in Estonian. It is important to practice and immerse yourself in real-life contexts to internalize these concepts. Seek conversations with native speakers, listen to Estonian music, and try reading simple texts to reinforce your learning. With consistent effort, your proficiency in Estonian grammar will continue to grow.