Learning Estonian can be an exciting journey, especially when you delve into specific themes that broaden your vocabulary and understanding of the language. One such theme that is both practical and interesting is the concept of “healthy” vs. “unhealthy.” This article will explore various Estonian words related to health and illness, providing definitions and example sentences to help you grasp their usage in context.

Basic Vocabulary: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

Let’s start with the fundamental words for “healthy” and “unhealthy” in Estonian.

Terve – Healthy. This word is used to describe someone or something that is in good health.
Ma tunnen end täna väga terve.

Haige – Unhealthy or sick. It describes someone who is ill or not in good health.
Ta on olnud kaks päeva haige.

Common Symptoms and Conditions

Understanding symptoms and conditions is crucial when discussing health. Here are some common words you may encounter:

Köha – Cough. This is a common symptom often associated with colds or respiratory conditions.
Tal on tugev köha.

Palavik – Fever. This word is used to describe an elevated body temperature.
Mul on kõrge palavik.

Peavalu – Headache. This is a common ailment that many people experience.
Pärast tööd oli mul tugev peavalu.

Kõhuvalu – Stomachache. Pain in the stomach area.
Laps kaebab kõhuvalu üle.

Nohu – Runny nose. Often a symptom of a cold or allergies.
Mul on nohu ja ma ei saa hingata.

Kõrge vererõhk – High blood pressure. A medical condition that requires monitoring and treatment.
Tema kõrge vererõhk on kontrolli all.

Diabeet – Diabetes. A chronic condition that affects blood sugar levels.
Mu isal on diabeet.

Astma – Asthma. A respiratory condition that can cause difficulty in breathing.
Mu vennal on astma.

Medical Treatments and Remedies

Knowing the vocabulary for treatments and remedies can be very useful, whether you are visiting a doctor or talking about how to feel better.

Ravim – Medicine. A substance used to treat illness or relieve symptoms.
Arst kirjutas mulle uue ravimi.

Süst – Injection. A method of delivering medicine directly into the body.
Ta kartis süsti.

Operatsioon – Surgery. A medical procedure involving an operation.
Ta vajab kiiret operatsiooni.

Vaktsiin – Vaccine. A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases.
Lapsed said täna vaktsiini.

Antibiootikum – Antibiotic. A type of medicine used to treat bacterial infections.
Arst määras mulle antibiootikumi.

Salv – Ointment. A topical medication used to treat skin conditions.
Ma kasutan seda salvi haavade jaoks.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

To maintain good health, it’s essential to make healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some relevant Estonian words:

Tervislik toitumine – Healthy diet. Eating foods that contribute to good health.
Ma järgin tervislikku toitumist.

Liikumine – Exercise. Physical activity that improves or maintains physical fitness.
Igapäevane liikumine on väga oluline.

Uni – Sleep. A vital component of a healthy lifestyle.
Hea uni on tervise alus.

Stressi vähendamine – Stress reduction. Techniques and practices aimed at reducing stress.
Meditatsioon aitab stressi vähendada.

Jalutamine – Walking. A simple and effective form of exercise.
Ma käin igal hommikul jalutamas.

Describing How You Feel

It’s important to be able to describe how you’re feeling, especially if you’re not feeling well. Here are some useful expressions:

Väsinud – Tired. Feeling a need for rest or sleep.
Ma olen täna väga väsinud.

Nõrk – Weak. Lacking physical strength.
Pärast haigust tunnen end nõrgana.

Halb – Bad. General term for feeling unwell.
Mul on täna halb enesetunne.

Pinges – Tense. Feeling stressed or anxious.
Ma tunnen end tööst pinges.

Rahulik – Calm. Feeling peaceful and relaxed.
Pärast puhkust tunnen end rahulikuna.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

When you need medical help, it’s essential to know how to communicate with healthcare professionals. Here are some useful terms:

Arst – Doctor. A medical professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses.
Pean minema arsti juurde.

Õde – Nurse. A healthcare professional who provides patient care.
Õde aitas mind pärast operatsiooni.

Apteeker – Pharmacist. A professional who prepares and dispenses medications.
Küsin apteekrilt nõu ravimite kohta.

Haigla – Hospital. A medical facility where people receive treatment.
Ta viidi haiglasse.

Kliinik – Clinic. A healthcare facility for outpatient care.
Ma käisin kliinikus tervisekontrollis.

Kiirabi – Ambulance. A vehicle equipped for emergency medical care.
Helistasime kiirabisse.

Preventive Measures and Good Habits

Taking preventive measures can help you stay healthy. Here are some terms related to prevention and good habits:

Kätepesu – Handwashing. An important practice to prevent the spread of germs.
Regulaarne kätepesu on oluline.

Vaktsineerimine – Vaccination. The act of getting vaccinated to prevent diseases.
Lapsed peavad saama vaktsineeritud.

Regulaarne kontroll – Regular check-up. Routine visits to a healthcare provider to monitor health.
Käin igal aastal regulaarsel kontrollil.

Tervislik eluviis – Healthy lifestyle. Living in a way that promotes good health.
Ma püüan järgida tervislikku eluviisi.

Immuunsüsteem – Immune system. The body’s defense system against infections.
Tervislik toitumine tugevdab immuunsüsteemi.

Vitamiinid – Vitamins. Essential nutrients that help maintain good health.
Ma võtan iga päev vitamiine.

Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health. Here are some terms related to mental well-being:

Vaimne tervis – Mental health. The state of one’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Tugev vaimne tervis on tähtis.

Ärevus – Anxiety. A feeling of worry or fear.
Mul on viimasel ajal palju ärevust.

Depressioon – Depression. A mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness.
Ta võitleb depressiooniga.

Stress – Stress. A state of mental or emotional strain.
Töö tekitab palju stressi.

Lõõgastus – Relaxation. The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
Meditatsioon aitab lõõgastuda.

Hingamisharjutused – Breathing exercises. Techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Ma teen iga päev hingamisharjutusi.

Conclusion

Being able to talk about health and wellness in Estonian is not only practical but also enriches your language skills. Whether you are discussing symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional, or making healthy lifestyle choices, the vocabulary covered in this article will help you navigate these conversations more effectively. Remember to practice these words and phrases regularly to become more comfortable using them in everyday situations. Terviseks! (To your health!)