Learning a new language often involves understanding expressions related to time, which in Estonian carries its distinct phrases and nuances. Whether you’re planning a trip to Estonia, or you’re just fascinated by this Finno-Ugric language, knowing how to talk about time can be incredibly useful. Here are some common time-related expressions in Estonian, each complete with a definition and an example to guide you in everyday conversations.

Aeg translates to “time” in a general sense. It is the foundational word around which many time-related expressions are built.
Kas sul on hetkel aega? – Do you have time right now?

Hetk means “moment” and is often used to express a brief period of time.
Oota hetk, ma tulen kohe. – Wait a moment, I’ll be right there.

Täna stands for “today,” used when referring to the current day.
Täna on ilus ilm. – The weather is nice today.

Homme means “tomorrow,” a word of anticipation for the day that’s coming next.
Homme lähme matkama. – We are going hiking tomorrow.

Eile is the word for “yesterday,” referring to the day before the current one.
Eile sadas vihma. – It rained yesterday.

Igapäev signifies “every day” or “daily,” indicating something that happens regularly.
Ma õpin igapäev eesti keelt. – I study Estonian every day.

Nädal is the Estonian word for “week,” a period of seven days.
Ma teen seda järgmisel nädalal. – I will do it next week.

Kuupäev refers to the “date” part of the time, often used in formal settings.
Mis kuupäev täna on? – What is the date today?

Kell can mean “clock” but also relates to “time” as in “What time is it?”.
Kui palju on kell? – What time is it?

Vara translates to “early,” used to describe an action taken sooner than usual.
Ta tuli täna vara tööle. – He came to work early today.

Hiline means “late,” the opposite of “vara,” indicating a delayed action or time.
Vabandust, ma jäin hiljaks. – Sorry, I am late.

Õigeaegselt equates to “on time,” implying punctuality.
Oluline on jõuda koosolekule õigeaegselt. – It’s important to arrive at the meeting on time.

Koheselt translates to “immediately,” indicating no delay in time.
Vastake palun sellele sõnumile koheselt. – Please respond to this message immediately.

Aastaaeg means “season” with regards to the weather and time of year.
Milline on sinu lemmik aastaaeg? – What is your favorite season?

Kestma is a verb meaning “to last” or “to go on” for a certain period of time.
Kontsert kestis kaks tundi. – The concert lasted two hours.

Aja jooksul means “over time,” used to express a change or sequence of events occurring over a period.
Aja jooksul muutuvad kõik asjad. – Over time, everything changes.

Understanding these expressions can be the key to navigating everyday conversations about time in Estonian. Practice using these words and phrases in daily life to deepen your understanding of the language and to communicate more effectively with Estonian speakers.