keeleväljendusi

keeleväljendusi refers to idiomatic expressions or set phrases in the Estonian language. These are combinations of words whose meaning cannot be deduced from the individual meanings of its constituent words. They form a significant part of the richness and expressiveness of the Estonian language.

The usage of keeleväljendusi often reflects cultural nuances, historical context, and common experiences within Estonian society. Understanding these expressions is crucial for a deeper comprehension of spoken and written Estonian, as direct translation can lead to misunderstandings. For example, "kass artu" literally translates to "cat sick" but means to be very clumsy.

There are numerous categories of keeleväljendusi, including proverbs, sayings, metaphors, and fixed collocations. Many are passed down through generations and are an integral part of everyday communication. Learning and using them correctly can significantly improve fluency and naturalness for Estonian language learners.

Examples of common keeleväljendusi include "peaasi" (the main thing), "tuleb välja" (it turns out), and "kõik on korras" (everything is okay). These phrases are used frequently and their idiomatic nature is well-understood by native speakers. Their study is an important aspect of mastering the Estonian language beyond basic grammar and vocabulary.