Learning a new language opens the door to experiencing a new culture—emotions and feelings included. When you’re learning Estonian, knowing how to express your emotions can help you communicate more effectively and connect with Estonian speakers on a deeper level. Here’s a guide to some emotions and feelings words in Estonian that you might find useful.

Õnnelik – Happy
Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
Kui ma oma tulemusi nägin, olin väga õnnelik.

Kurb – Sad
Feeling or showing sorrow; unhappy.
Kui ta filmi vaatas, oli ta väga kurb.

Vihane – Angry
Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Ta oli vihane, kui avastas, et tema töö on kadunud.

Ärev – Anxious
Experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Enne eksamit oli ta väga ärev.

Rahulik – Calm
Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions.
Pärast meditatsiooni tundis ta end eriti rahulikuna.

Üllatunud – Surprised
Feeling or showing a sudden, usually pleasant, feeling of wonder or astonishment, often at something unexpected.
Ta oli meeldivalt üllatunud, kui ta sünnipäevapeo avastas.

Pettunud – Disappointed
Sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfill one’s hopes or expectations.
Ta oli pettunud, et ei saanud oodatud töökohta.

Üksildane – Lonely
Sad because one has no friends or company.
Pikkadel õhtutel oli ta tihti üksildane.

Rõõmus – Joyful
Feeling, expressing, or causing great pleasure and happiness.
Rõõmus muusika täitis ruumi.

Tänulik – Grateful
Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.
Ta oli väga tänulik abi eest, mis ta sai.

Mures – Worried
Feeling anxiety or concern over actual or potential problems.
Ema oli hilinenud lapse pärast mures.

Armastav – Loving
Feeling or showing love or great care.
Ta vaatas oma last väga armastava pilguga.

Uhke – Proud
Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
Vanemad olid oma lapse kooliedukuse üle uhked.

Häbelik – Shy
Being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people.
Väike tüdruk oli võõraste seltsis häbelik.

Segaduses – Confused
Unable to think clearly; bewildered.
Juhised olid keerulised ja ta jäi segadusse.

Inspiratsiooni täis – Inspired
Filled with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Pärast näitust oli ta inspiratsiooni täis ja tahtis maalima hakata.

Janunenud – Thirsty
Having a strong desire for something.
Peale pikka jooksu oli ta väga janunenud. (In this context, janunenud is often used literally, but it can also be metaphorical, like thirsting for knowledge.)

Understanding how to describe your feelings in Estonian helps you to navigate social interactions and to express your state of mind. The next time you find yourself conversing with Estonian speakers, try including these emotion words to enrich the conversation and show off your language skills. Tugevaid tundeid ja õppimisrõõmu! (Strong feelings and joy of learning!)