Order anything by pointing in Estonian
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. 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 11 Estonian phrases in this lesson
- Ma sooviksin...mah SOH-vik-sin
- I would like...
- SedaSEH-dah
- This one
- Kui palju see maksab?koo-ee PAL-yoo say MAK-sab
- How much is it?
- Arve, palunAR-veh PAH-loon
- The bill, please
- KaardigaKAAR-dee-gah
- By card
- SularahasSOO-lah-rah-has
- In cash
- VesiVEH-see
- Water
- Kohvkohv
- Coffee
- Teeteh
- Tea
- ÕluUH-loo
- Beer
- Ilma...IL-mah
- Without...
Literally "I would wish": "ma sooviksin kohvi", I would like a coffee.
Point and say it. "Seda, palun" is the polite version.
A practical question for markets, taxis, or anywhere without a clear price tag. Estonians will usually just show you on their phone or write the number if there is a language barrier.
Arve is the bill or invoice. Catching the server's eye and saying this is standard practice. Tipping around 10% is appreciated but not obligatory in Estonian restaurants.
The -ga ending is the Estonian comitative case meaning "with." Kaardiga is "with card." Card payment is extremely common in Estonia; many places are effectively cashless.
Sularaha means "liquid money/cash." ATMs are widely available in cities. Some small rural vendors or market stalls may prefer cash, so it is worth having a few euros on hand.
Tap water in Estonia is clean and safe to drink. Gaseeritud vesi is sparkling water, gaseerimata vesi is still. In a shop, just say vesi and specify if you want bubbles.
Ordering, it becomes "üks kohv, palun".
The same word also means road.
Local craft beer is a point of pride in Tallinn.
"Ilma suhkruta" (IL-mah SOOH-kroo-tah), without sugar.