Help and emergencies in Estonian
The words you hope to never need. Play the ten Estonian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Estonian phrases in this lesson
- Appi!AP-pee
- Help!
- Kutsuge arst!KOOT-soo-geh arst
- Call a doctor
- Politseipo-lit-SAY
- Police
- Apteekap-TAYK
- Pharmacy
- HaiglaHAIG-lah
- Hospital
- Ma olen eksinudmah OH-len EK-see-nood
- I'm lost
- Mul on halb ollamool on halb OL-lah
- I don't feel well
- Mulle varastatiMOO-leh VAH-ras-tah-tee
- It was stolen
- See on hädaolukordsay on HAE-dah-oh-loo-kord
- It's an emergency
- Jätke mind rahuleYAET-keh mint RAH-hoo-leh
- Leave me alone
The universal Estonian distress call. Short, sharp, and unmistakable. Shout it loudly if you are in genuine danger. Estonians will respond even if they initially appear reserved.
Arst is doctor. For an ambulance specifically you can also say Kiirabi! (KEER-ah-bee), which means "fast help/ambulance." Dialing 112 and saying kiirabi is understood immediately.
The emergency number is 112.
Apteeks are well-stocked and pharmacists often speak English, especially in cities. You can walk in and describe symptoms; they are trained to recommend over-the-counter remedies. Look for the green cross sign.
Haigla comes from haige meaning sick. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card for treatment. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status.
Eksinud comes from the verb eksima, to get lost or to err. A useful phrase if you are genuinely confused. Saying this with a map open on your phone immediately signals you need help.
Literally "it is bad for me to be." A clear way to express feeling unwell without specifying the illness. You can also say Mul on iiveldus (mool on EE-vel-doos) for nausea.
Literally "it was stolen to me." Use this to report a theft to police or hotel staff. Follow it by naming the item: rahakott (wallet), telefon (phone), pass (passport).
Literally "leave me in peace".