Learning another language can be a beautiful way to connect with a different culture, and getting familiar with environmental and nature terms is especially rewarding. These terms not only enhance your vocabulary but also allow you to engage more deeply with the natural world while speaking Estonian. Here are some key terms related to the environment and nature that you may find useful.

Keskkond means “environment” in Estonian. It encompasses the natural world as well as the living and nonliving things that exist within it.
Me kõik vastutame meie keskkonna kaitsmise eest.

Loodus translates to “nature,” referring to the physical world and life in its various forms that are not made by humans.
Looduses jalutamine on minu jaoks väga rahustav.

Mets stands for “forest,” a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth.
See mets on kodu mitmesugustele loomadele ja taimedele.

Jõgi signifies “river,” a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river.
Jõe kaldal kasvavad kõrged pajud.

Järv is the Estonian word for “lake,” an area filled with water, localized in a basin, and surrounded by land.
Suvel käime tihti järve ääres ujumas.

Mägi means “mountain” and refers to a large natural elevation of the earth’s surface.
Mäe tipust avaneb hingemattev vaade.

Rand translates to “beach,” the pebbly or sandy shore of the sea or of a lake that is washed by the waves.
Talvel on rand sageli tühi ja vaikne.

Mere, as in “ocean” or “sea,” is a large expanse of salt water connecting with the ocean, or a large, usually saline, lake that lacks a natural outlet.
Mere äärde sõitmine on meie perele traditsioon.

Saastatus stands for “pollution,” the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Linna saastatus on muutunud tõsiseks probleemiks.

Kliimamuutus translates to “climate change,” a change in global or regional climate patterns.
Kliimamuutus mõjutab kogu maailma.

Säästev signifies “sustainable,” referring to the use of resources in a way that the environment can support both in the present and future.
Säästev põllumajandus on tuleviku võti.

Taaskasutamine means “recycling,” the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
Taaskasutamine aitab vähendada prügila koormust.

Looduskaitse translates to “conservation,” which is the act of preserving, guarding, or protecting; wise use.
Looduskaitse on meie planeedi tervisele hädavajalik.

By incorporating these Estonian environmental and nature terms into your vocabulary, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively about the important issues concerning the earth and its ecosystems. Plus, the next time you find yourself on a picturesque hike through the Estonian countryside or by its beautiful waters, you’ll have the right words to describe the splendor around you. Keep practicing, and let the beauty of nature inspire your language learning journey!