Translate English to Estonian
Estonian is spoken by about 1.1 million people, almost all in Estonia. Despite its small population, Estonia is known worldwide for its digital innovation (Skype was born there), e-government, and tech startup scene. Whether you are corresponding with a colleague in Tallinn, reading an Estonian government portal, or preparing for a visit, paste your English text above.
Common English to Estonian translations
| English | Estonian | Pronunciation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Tere | TEH-reh | ||
| Good morning | Tere hommikust | TEH-reh HOM-mee-koost | ||
| Thank you | Tänan | TAH-nahn | ||
| Please | Palun | PAH-loon | ||
| How much is this? | Kui palju see maksab? | koo-ee PAL-yoo seh MAK-sahb | ||
| Where is the bathroom? | Kus on tualett? | koos on too-ah-LET | ||
| I do not understand | Ma ei saa aru | mah ay sah AH-roo | ||
| Can you help me? | Kas te saate mind aidata? | kahs teh SAH-teh mind AY-dah-tah | ||
| I would like coffee | Ma sooviksin kohvi | mah SOH-veek-sin KOH-vee | ||
| The bill, please | Arve, palun | AHR-veh PAH-loon | ||
| Nice to meet you | Meeldiv tutvuda | MEHL-deev TOOT-voo-dah | ||
| Goodbye | Head aega | head AY-gah | ||
| I need a doctor | Mul on arsti vaja | mool on AHRS-tee VAH-yah | ||
| Excuse me | Vabandust | VAH-bahn-doost |
Tips for English to Estonian translation
Estonian belongs to the Finnic branch of the Uralic family, making it a close relative of Finnish. The two languages share about 30-40% of basic vocabulary, and speakers can sometimes understand simple sentences from the other language. However, they are not mutually intelligible for conversation.
Estonian has 14 grammatical cases (slightly fewer than Finnish's 15). These cases modify word endings to express relationships. “In the house” is majas, “into the house” is majja, “from the house” is majast. Like Finnish, this case system replaces most English prepositions.
Estonian has three degrees of consonant and vowel length: short, long, and extra-long. The word lina (linen), linna (city, in the form “of the city”), and linna with extra-long nn (into the city) are distinguished by duration. This three-way distinction is rare among world languages and affects meaning.
Estonian word order is relatively flexible, with SVO as the default. Like Finnish, Estonian has no grammatical gender and no future tense form. Future is expressed through context words. These simplifications make some aspects of Estonian grammar easier than many European languages.
About the Estonian language
Estonian is a Finnic language spoken by about 1.1 million people in Estonia. It is closely related to Finnish and more distantly to Hungarian, all part of the Uralic language family. Estonian has been written since the 16th century, with the modern standard established in the early 20th century during the first period of Estonian independence.
Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world. The concept of e-residency, digital ID cards, internet voting, and blockchain-backed government services all originated in Estonia. Skype was developed in Tallinn, and the country has produced more unicorn startups per capita than almost any other nation. Estonian language skills are increasingly valued in the EU tech sector.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. No registration, no fees.
Yes. Both are Finnic languages. About 30-40% of basic vocabulary is shared, but they are not mutually intelligible.
Yes. Click the speaker icon.
A unique Estonian vowel not found in most other languages. It sounds like an unrounded “o.”
Good for everyday use. Professional review for legal or official texts.
14 grammatical cases, slightly fewer than Finnish.
Visit our Estonian to English page.
Yes. Nothing stored.
The case system and three-way length distinction are challenging. But the lack of gender and future tense simplifies other areas.
Over 60 pairs including Finnish, Russian, German, and more.
Need the reverse? Try Estonian to English translation.
