Hieman

Hieman is an Estonian adverb meaning “slightly” or “a little,” used to indicate a moderate degree or to soften a statement. It can modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs, and appears in both spoken and written Estonian. As a degree modifier, it is versatile across registers, from neutral to mildly formal.

Usage examples are common in everyday speech. For instance, "See on hieman kallim" translates to "This is a bit more expensive," and "Ta on hieman väsinud" means "He is somewhat tired." Hieman generally softens or moderates the intensity of what is described, and it is often chosen when a speaker wants to avoid strong or absolute qualifiers.

In relation to similar expressions, other ways to convey small quantities or mild degrees include veidi and natuke. Veidi is very common in casual speech, while natuke is a more general and versatile option. Hieman can carry a slightly more restrained or precise nuance depending on context, but it remains a standard, widely understood word in Estonian.

Originating as a native Estonian word, hieman reflects the language’s tendency to employ modest degree modifiers to convey subtle shades of meaning. It is listed in standard Estonian dictionaries as an adverb of degree and is part of everyday usage for expressing approximation or softness in description.