Learning Estonian can be a rewarding experience, especially as you reach the B2 level where you can start to understand more complex texts and engage in detailed conversations. At this stage, expanding your vocabulary is crucial. To help you on this journey, I’ve compiled a list of 50 essential words that you need to know for Estonian at the B2 level. These words are not only common but also highly useful for everyday conversations and more advanced discussions. Let’s dive in!
Verbs
1. **Mõtlema** – To think: This verb is essential for expressing thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Example: “Ma pean selle üle mõtlema.” (I need to think about it.)
2. **Tundma** – To feel: Useful for discussing emotions and physical sensations. Example: “Ma tunnen end väsinuna.” (I feel tired.)
3. **Rääkima** – To speak: Crucial for any conversation. Example: “Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?” (Do you speak English?)
4. **Kirjutama** – To write: Important for both formal and informal communication. Example: “Ma kirjutan sulle e-kirja.” (I will write you an email.)
5. **Lugema** – To read: Necessary for understanding texts and literature. Example: “Ma loen praegu huvitavat raamatut.” (I’m currently reading an interesting book.)
6. **Ootama** – To wait: Useful in various situations, from waiting for a bus to waiting for an answer. Example: “Ma ootan sinu vastust.” (I am waiting for your response.)
7. **Mängima** – To play: Commonly used in contexts related to games, sports, and music. Example: “Kas sa mängid kitarri?” (Do you play the guitar?)
8. **Sõitma** – To drive/ride: Important for discussing transportation and travel. Example: “Ma sõidan tööle autoga.” (I drive to work.)
9. **Unustama** – To forget: Useful for expressing forgetfulness. Example: “Ma unustasin oma võtmed koju.” (I forgot my keys at home.)
10. **Õppima** – To learn: Essential for discussing education and self-improvement. Example: “Ma õpin eesti keelt.” (I am learning Estonian.)
Nouns
11. **Aeg** – Time: A fundamental concept in any language. Example: “Kas sul on aega?” (Do you have time?)
12. **Inimene** – Person: Crucial for talking about people. Example: “Ta on väga tore inimene.” (He/She is a very nice person.)
13. **Koht** – Place: Important for giving directions and discussing locations. Example: “See on minu lemmik koht.” (This is my favorite place.)
14. **Raha** – Money: Essential for any discussion about finances. Example: “Mul ei ole piisavalt raha.” (I don’t have enough money.)
15. **Töö** – Work: Important for discussing your job or tasks. Example: “Ma armastan oma tööd.” (I love my job.)
16. **Pere** – Family: Crucial for talking about family relationships. Example: “Minu pere on väga suur.” (My family is very large.)
17. **Sõber** – Friend: Important for social interactions. Example: “Ta on minu parim sõber.” (He/She is my best friend.)
18. **Kodu** – Home: Essential for discussing where you live. Example: “Ma olen kodus.” (I am at home.)
19. **Auto** – Car: Necessary for discussing transportation. Example: “Mul on uus auto.” (I have a new car.)
20. **Raamat** – Book: Important for discussing literature and reading. Example: “See on väga hea raamat.” (This is a very good book.)
Adjectives
21. **Ilus** – Beautiful: Useful for describing people, places, and things. Example: “See on väga ilus maja.” (This is a very beautiful house.)
22. **Kallis** – Expensive: Important for discussing prices and value. Example: “See kleit on väga kallis.” (This dress is very expensive.)
23. **Kiire** – Fast: Useful for describing speed. Example: “See auto on väga kiire.” (This car is very fast.)
24. **Väike** – Small: Important for describing size. Example: “See on väga väike korter.” (This is a very small apartment.)
25. **Suur** – Big: Useful for discussing size and importance. Example: “See on väga suur probleem.” (This is a very big problem.)
26. **Uus** – New: Important for talking about new things. Example: “Mul on uus telefon.” (I have a new phone.)
27. **Vana** – Old: Useful for describing age. Example: “See maja on väga vana.” (This house is very old.)
28. **Raske** – Difficult/Heavy: Crucial for describing challenges and weight. Example: “See ülesanne on väga raske.” (This task is very difficult.)
29. **Kerge** – Easy/Light: Useful for discussing ease and weight. Example: “See on väga kerge kott.” (This is a very light bag.)
30. **Tore** – Nice: Important for describing people and experiences. Example: “Ta on väga tore inimene.” (He/She is a very nice person.)
Adverbs
31. **Väga** – Very: Essential for emphasizing adjectives and verbs. Example: “Ma olen väga õnnelik.” (I am very happy.)
32. **Hästi** – Well: Useful for discussing how something is done. Example: “Ta räägib eesti keelt väga hästi.” (He/She speaks Estonian very well.)
33. **Kiiresti** – Quickly: Important for describing speed. Example: “Palun tee seda kiiresti.” (Please do it quickly.)
34. **Aeglaselt** – Slowly: Useful for discussing pace. Example: “Palun räägi aeglaselt.” (Please speak slowly.)
35. **Tihti** – Often: Important for discussing frequency. Example: “Ma käin tihti kinos.” (I often go to the cinema.)
36. **Harva** – Rarely: Useful for describing infrequency. Example: “Ma käin harva restoranis.” (I rarely go to the restaurant.)
37. **Alati** – Always: Crucial for discussing habits. Example: “Ma olen alati õigel ajal.” (I am always on time.)
38. **Mõnikord** – Sometimes: Useful for describing occasional actions. Example: “Ma käin mõnikord jooksmas.” (I sometimes go running.)
39. **Eile** – Yesterday: Important for discussing past events. Example: “Eile oli ilus ilm.” (Yesterday was beautiful weather.)
40. **Täna** – Today: Crucial for discussing the present. Example: “Täna on mul palju tööd.” (I have a lot of work today.)
Prepositions
41. **Kuna** – Because: Essential for explaining reasons. Example: “Ma ei saanud tulla, kuna olin haige.” (I couldn’t come because I was sick.)
42. **Sees** – Inside: Useful for describing location. Example: “Ma olen toas sees.” (I am inside the room.)
43. **Peal** – On: Important for describing position. Example: “Raamat on laua peal.” (The book is on the table.)
44. **All** – Under: Useful for discussing location. Example: “Kass on laua all.” (The cat is under the table.)
45. **Juurde** – To/To the side of: Important for discussing direction and location. Example: “Tule minu juurde.” (Come to me.)
Conjunctions
46. **Ja** – And: Essential for connecting ideas. Example: “Ma ostan leiba ja piima.” (I will buy bread and milk.)
47. **Aga** – But: Useful for contrasting ideas. Example: “Ma tahan tulla, aga ma ei saa.” (I want to come, but I can’t.)
48. **Või** – Or: Important for offering choices. Example: “Kas sa tahad teed või kohvi?” (Do you want tea or coffee?)
49. **Kui** – If: Crucial for conditional statements. Example: “Kui sa tuled, siis ma olen õnnelik.” (If you come, I will be happy.)
50. **Kuid** – However: Useful for expressing contrast. Example: “Ma tahan minna, kuid mul pole aega.” (I want to go, however, I don’t have time.)
Using These Words in Context
Now that you have a list of 50 essential words, it’s time to put them into practice. Try to create sentences or even short paragraphs using these words. Practicing in context will help you internalize their meanings and uses.
For example, you could write a short story about your day, incorporating as many of these words as possible:
“Täna hommikul ma ärkasin vara ja tundsin end väga väsinuna. Ma pidin ootama bussi, kuna mu auto oli katki. Tööl oli mul palju tegemist, kuid ma sain kõik kiiresti tehtud. Pärast tööd ma läksin sõbra juurde ja me rääkisime kaua. Ta on väga tore inimene ja mul oli väga hea meel teda näha.”
This exercise will help you become more comfortable using these essential B2 level words in Estonian.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these 50 essential words will significantly boost your confidence and ability to communicate effectively at the B2 level in Estonian. Remember, the key to language learning is consistent practice and exposure. Use these words in your daily conversations, writing exercises, and reading comprehension tasks. Over time, you’ll find that your vocabulary expands naturally, and you’ll be able to express yourself more clearly and accurately.
Happy learning!
