siis

Siis is a common word in the Estonian language that functions as both an adverb and a coordinating conjunction. It roughly translates to “then,” “in that case,” or “at that time,” and it is used to indicate temporal progression or a result in a sentence. As a temporal marker, siis signals what happens next or what the speaker is referring to in a sequence. As a connective, it links a condition to its consequence in conditional clauses.

Usage and examples:

In conditional statements, siis follows the condition to present the outcome. For example: Kui ilm on hea, siis lähme välja. This means “If the weather is good, then we go out.” In narrative or sequence, siis can introduce a subsequent action: Ta tuli; siis me sõime. Another example: Ma ei teadnud, mida teha, siis otsustasin helistada. These uses show siis connecting cause and effect or marking the next step in a sequence.

Position and style:

Siis can appear after a clause or at the start of the following clause, depending on emphasis and rhythm. It is widely used in everyday speech and in writing, and it is considered a neutral, versatile part of speech in Estonian grammar.

Related phrases:

The expression sel juhul (“in that case”) can be used as a more explicit equivalent in some contexts, though siis remains the more natural everyday choice. Now and then phrases like nüüd ja siis are heard in conversational Estonian.