Asking for directions in Estonian
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Although Estonia is a small country, it is still easy to get lost in a new place. In this lesson we will learn how to ask for directions and find the places that you wish to explore.
Lesson outline
HideEstonian words for directions
In the table below you can find out the basic vocabulary related to directions in Estonian.
| English | Estonian |
|---|---|
| Right | Parem |
| On the right | Paremal |
| Left | Vasak |
| On the left | Vasakul |
| Next to | Kõrval |
| Across | Üle |
| Straight | Otse |
| Next | Järgmine |
| At the end | Lõpus |
| Street | Tänav |
| Crossroad | Ristmik |
| Roundabout | Ringtee |
| In front of | Ees |
| Behind | Taga |
| Far | Kaugel |
| Close | Lähedal |
| Traffic lights | Valgusfoor |
| Dead end | Tupik |
| Traffic | Liiklus |
| Traffic jam | Liiklusummik |
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Asking for directions
Now let's learn how to ask for directions.
| English | Estonian |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | Vabandage |
| Where is ... ? | Kus asub ...? |
| How far is ... ? | Kui kaugel ... on ? |
| Do you know where I can find ... ? | Kas te teate, kust ma võiksin leida ...? |
| How do I get to ... ? | Kuidas ma ... saan? |
| What is the name of the street? | Mis tänava nimi on? |
Giving directions
The verbs 'minema' (to go) and 'pöörama' (to turn) are given in the polite form.
| English | Estonian |
|---|---|
| Go straight | Minge otse |
| Turn left | Pöörake vasakule |
| Turn right | Pöörake paremale |
| It's behind the house | See on maja taga |
| It's in front of the house | See on maja ees |
| It's 5 minutes / 500m from here | See on siit 5 minuti / 500 meetri kaugusel |
| Cross the street / bridge | Minge üle tee / silla |
| Walk until you see ... | Kõnni kuni sa näed ... |
| You're there | Oled kohal |
Places of interest
There are many interesting places that you might want to visit in Estonia. We made a list of the important places that you'll most likely need to know.
| English | Estonian |
|---|---|
| City | Linn |
| City centre | Kesklinn |
| Old town | Vanalinn |
| Village | Küla |
| Market | Turg |
| Store | Pood |
| Supermarket | Supermarket |
| Shopping centre | Kaubanduskeskus |
| University | Ülikool |
| Harbour | Sadam |
| Airport | Lennujaam |
| Train station | Rongijaam |
| Bus station | Bussijaam |
| Square | Väljak / Plats |
| Town hall | Raekoda |
| Bridge | Sild |
| River | Jõgi |
| Sea | Meri |
| Church | Kirik |
| Castle | Loss |
| Beach | Rand |
| Hospital | Haigla |
| Farmacy | Apteek |
| Restaurant | Restoran |
Cardinal points in Estonian
Also, let's have a look at the cardinal points.
| English | Estonian |
|---|---|
| North | Põhi |
| South | Lõuna |
| East | Ida |
| West | Lääs |
| North-East | Kirre |
| South-East | Kagu |
| South-West | Edel |
| North-West | Loe |
If you want to refer to a part of the country then the cardinal point has to be declined in the accusative case.
E.g Põhja-Eesti (Northern Estonia); Lääne-Euroopa (Western Europe)
Congratulations! Now you don't have to worry about getting lost. Train your skills with our exercises!