Estonian, a Finno-Ugric language spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia, is known for its melodic tone and complex grammar. When you’re learning Estonian, having a set of planning and organizing phrases at your disposal can be extremely useful, whether you’re scheduling meetings, making plans with friends, or organizing events. Here are some essential phrases to help you communicate your plans more effectively in Estonian.

Kavatsema
Meaning “to intend” or “to plan,” this verb is important when talking about future intentions.
Ma kavatsen nädalavahetusel puhata.

Plaanima
Similar to “kavatsema,” “plaanima” means “to plan” and is used when making arrangements.
Me plaanime homme kinno minna.

Korraldama
This means “to organize” and is used when referring to the arrangement of events or activities.
Kes korraldab sünnipäevapeo?

Kohtumine
Meaning “meeting” or “appointment,” this noun is important for scheduling professional or social gatherings.
Mul on homme tähtis kohtumine.

Aeg
This means “time” and is crucial when specifying when something will happen.
Mis ajal me kohtume?

Kuupäev
Meaning “date,” this noun is used when specifying the day something will occur.
Palun vali vaba kuupäev.

Ajakava
This term for “schedule” or “timetable” is used to refer to the planned times for events to occur.
Kas sa oled ajakavaga tutvunud?

Ülesanne
Meaning “task” or “assignment,” this noun is useful when describing things you need to do.
Mul on mitu olulist ülesannet täita.

Prioriteet
This means “priority,” indicating the importance or precedence of tasks or plans.
Me peame määrama projekti prioriteedid.

Edasi lükkama
Meaning “to postpone,” this phrase is used when rescheduling an event for a later time.
Kas me saame koosoleku edasi lükata?

Tühistama
This verb means “to cancel” and is used when plans are no longer going to take place.
Ma pean tänase kohtumise tühistama.

Kinnitama
Meaning “to confirm,” this verb is key when securing plans or appointments.
Kas sa saad kohtumise aega kinnitada?

Valmistuma
This means “to prepare,” useful for expressing the action of getting ready for something.
Ma valmistun eksamiks.

Eelarve
Meaning “budget,” this term is essential when discussing finances or costs associated with plans.
Meil on vaja eelarvet koostada.

Võimalus
Meaning “opportunity” or “possibility,” this word is important when considering different options for plans.
See on suurepärane võimalus meile kõigile.

Otsustama
Meaning “to decide,” this verb is used when making a final choice or determination.
Me peame kiiresti otsustama.

By mastering these planning and organizing phrases in Estonian, you will be able to effectively communicate your intentions and arrangements, making your experiences in Estonia, whether short-term or long-term, a lot smoother and more organized. As with any language, practice is key, so try using these phrases in your conversations and written communication to become more fluent and confident in Estonian.