When learning a new language, understanding basic adjectives and their opposites is crucial for effective communication. In this article, we will explore the concepts of “warm” and “cold” in Estonian, which are “kuum” and “külm,” respectively. These words are essential for describing weather, objects, and even feelings. Let’s dive into the Estonian vocabulary related to these terms, along with example sentences to help you grasp their usage.

Basic Vocabulary: Warm

Kuum – This word means “warm” or “hot” in Estonian.
Suvel on ilm tavaliselt kuum.

Soe – This word means “warm” in a milder sense compared to “kuum.”
Kevadel on ilm sageli soe.

Kuumenema – This verb means “to heat up.”
Vesi hakkas kiiresti kuumenema.

Kuumus – This noun means “heat.”
Kuumus oli sel päeval talumatu.

Kuumaveekraan – This compound word means “hot water tap.”
Keerasin kuumaveekraani lahti.

Kuumalaine – This term means “heatwave.”
Kuumalaine tabas linna juulis.

Basic Vocabulary: Cold

Külm – This word means “cold” in Estonian.
Talvel on ilm väga külm.

Jahe – This word means “cool” or “chilly.”
Õhtuti on jahe, võta jakk kaasa.

Külmetama – This verb means “to catch a cold.”
Ära unusta mütsi, muidu võid külmetada.

Külmus – This noun means “coldness.”
Külmus tungis läbi riiete.

Külmkapp – This compound word means “refrigerator.”
Pane piim külmkappi tagasi.

Külmalaine – This term means “cold wave.”
Külmalaine tõi lund ja jääd.

Weather Conditions

Understanding how to describe the weather is vital, especially when talking about warm and cold conditions.

Ilm – This word means “weather.”
Ilm muutub kiiresti kevadel.

Päikesepaisteline – This word means “sunny.”
Täna on päikesepaisteline ilm.

Pilvine – This word means “cloudy.”
Homme on pilvine päev.

Vihmane – This word means “rainy.”
Eile oli vihmane ilm.

Lumine – This word means “snowy.”
Detsembris on sageli lumine.

Tuuline – This word means “windy.”
Sügisel on sageli tuuline.

Describing Objects

In addition to weather, you can use “kuum” and “külm” to describe objects, food, and drinks.

Kohv – This word means “coffee.”
Palun üks kuum kohv.

Jäätis – This word means “ice cream.”
Suvel meeldib mulle süüa külma jäätist.

Supp – This word means “soup.”
Kas supp on veel kuum?

Jook – This word means “drink.”
Tõin külma joogi.

Puder – This word means “porridge.”
Hommikul meeldib mulle süüa sooja putru.

Vesi – This word means “water.”
Kas sa tahad külma või sooja vett?

Feelings and States

The words “kuum” and “külm” can also be used metaphorically to describe feelings and states.

Külm närv – This phrase means “cold nerve,” referring to someone who is very calm.
Ta suutis külma närviga olukorda lahendada.

Kuum süda – This phrase means “warm heart,” referring to someone who is very kind.
Tal on väga kuum süda, ta aitab alati teisi.

Külmavereline – This word means “cold-blooded,” often used to describe someone who is unemotional.
Ta on külmavereline ärimees.

Kuumaks minema – This phrase means “to get heated,” referring to someone becoming angry.
Rääkimine poliitikast võib inimesi kuumaks ajada.

Külmaks jätma – This phrase means “to leave cold,” referring to something that doesn’t affect someone emotionally.
See film jättis mind külmaks.

Kuum kohtumine – This phrase means “hot date.”
Mul on täna õhtul kuum kohtumine.

Common Expressions and Phrases

Learning common expressions and phrases can make your conversations more natural.

Kuum ja külm – This phrase means “hot and cold,” often used to describe fluctuating emotions or situations.
Tema tunded olid kuumad ja külmad.

Külm dušš – This phrase means “cold shower,” often used metaphorically to describe a sudden disappointment.
Uudis oli nagu külm dušš.

Kuum käsi – This phrase means “hot hand,” often used in gambling to describe a winning streak.
Ta oli kasiinos kuuma käega.

Külm sõda – This phrase means “Cold War,” referring to the historical period of political tension.
Külm sõda kestis aastakümneid.

Kuum kartul – This phrase means “hot potato,” referring to a controversial issue.
See teema on poliitikas kuum kartul.

Külma kõhuga – This phrase means “with a cold stomach,” referring to doing something without fear.
Ta läks eksamile külma kõhuga.

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions often use “kuum” and “külm” in creative ways.

Kuumal triibul olema – This idiom means “to be on a hot streak.”
Meeskond on praegu kuumal triibul.

Külmalt võtma – This idiom means “to take something coolly.”
Ta võttis kriitikat külmalt.

Kuum pähe minema – This idiom means “to get carried away.”
Ära lase endal kuum pähe minna.

Külma närviga olema – This idiom means “to have a cold nerve.”
Ta on külma närviga kirurg.

Kuumaks ajama – This idiom means “to heat up a situation.”
Tema sõnad ajasid vestluse kuumaks.

Külm jalad saama – This idiom means “to get cold feet,” referring to hesitation.
Ta sai pulmapäeval külmad jalad.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to internalize these words and phrases is through practice. Try to use them in sentences and conversations as often as possible. Here are some practice sentences to get you started:

Kuum – Warm or hot
Päike on täna väga kuum.

Külm – Cold
Jaanuaris on alati külm.

Soe – Warm
Õhtusöök on veel soe.

Jahe – Cool or chilly
Õues on natuke jahe.

Kuumus – Heat
Kuumus muutus talumatuks.

Külmus – Coldness
Tema sõnades oli külmus.

By integrating these words into your vocabulary, you will be better equipped to describe a variety of situations and emotions in Estonian. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find yourself using “kuum” and “külm” naturally in conversation. Happy learning!