Learning a new language can be a thrilling adventure and a valuable skill. Estonian, a Finno-Ugric language spoken by the people of Estonia, might not be the most common choice for language learners, but it boasts a unique charm and a rich cultural heritage. If you’re interested in picking up some practical Estonian phrases for daily communication, here’s a list to get you started:

Tere: Hello.
This is a friendly greeting used at all times of the day.
Kui kohtasin oma sõpra tänaval, ütlesin talle rõõmsalt “Tere!”

Aitäh: Thank you.
A word that expresses gratitude and is commonly used in polite conversation.
Kui keegi ulatas mulle raamatu, ma ütlesin “Aitäh”.

Palun: Please, or you’re welcome.
It is used both when asking for something and when responding to a ‘thank you’.
Kas saaksid mulle seda raamatut palun anda?

Vabandust: Excuse me / I’m sorry.
This phrase can be used to get someone’s attention, to apologize, or to move through a crowd.
Vabandust, kas ma võiksin mööduda?

Jah: Yes.
An affirmative response in any situation.
Kas sa tuled ka peole? Jah, kindlasti!

Ei: No.
To decline or disagree with something.
Kas sa soovid kohvi? Ei, aitäh.

Hästi: Okay / Well.
This expression is often used to show agreement or to say that something is done well.
Kui ma küsisin, kas tal on kõik korras, vastas ta “Hästi”.

Kuidas läheb?: How are you?
A common question to inquire about someone’s well-being.
Kui kohtasin tuttavat, küsisin “Kuidas läheb?”

Hästi, aitäh: Fine, thank you.
A polite response to ‘How are you?’
Kui keegi küsis minu käest, kuidas mul läheb, vastasin “Hästi, aitäh”.

Mis su nimi on?: What’s your name?
A question when you want to know someone’s name.
Tutvudes uue inimesega, küsisin “Mis su nimi on?”.

Minu nimi on …: My name is …
The way to introduce yourself.
Kui keegi küsis minult, kuidas ma enda nime kutsun, vastasin “Minu nimi on …”.

Kus on…?: Where is…?
Useful for asking the location of places or objects.
Tulles uude linna, küsisin kohe “Kus on lähim kohvik?”.

Ma ei räägi eesti keelt: I do not speak Estonian.
An important phrase for travelers who are not fluent.
Kui keegi mulle tänaval eesti keeles pöördus, pidin ütlema “Ma ei räägi eesti keelt”.

Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?: Do you speak English?
A helpful question for English-speaking travelers.
Turistina Eestis, küsisin sageli “Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?”.

Ma ei saa aru: I don’t understand.
When you need to express that you’re having difficulty understanding.
Kui juhised olid keerulised, ütlesin “Ma ei saa aru”.

Palju õnne: Congratulations.
A phrase to use on celebratory occasions.
Kui sõber sooritas eksami edukalt, ütlesin talle “Palju õnne!”.

Hüvasti: Goodbye.
A formal way to bid someone farewell.
Lahkudes ütlesin viisakalt “Hüvasti”.

Nägemist: Bye / See you.
A more informal or casual way to say goodbye.
Pärast lõbusat päeva sõpradega ütlesin “Nägemist!”.

Remember, the key to mastering a new language is consistent practice. Use these phrases as your starting point in everyday Estonian conversations, and you’ll soon find yourself picking up even more of the language’s nuances. Enjoy the journey into the beautiful world of Estonian communication!