söögiaega

Söögiaeg is the Estonian term for the time when meals are eaten, i.e., mealtime. It denotes the period during which breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically consumed, and can also refer to the moment of eating itself. Etymologically it is formed from söök, meaning food, and aeg, meaning time.

In everyday language, söögiaeg is used to talk about when meals are served or planned, for example by saying that it is time to eat or that certain hours are designated for meals. In institutions such as schools and workplaces, the midday meal break is commonly referred to as a lunch break (lõunapaus), which aligns with the söögiaeg around noon. In households, people often structure the day around fixed söögiajad, though actual times vary with personal schedules and regional habits.

Common meal terms in Estonian include hommikusöök (breakfast), lõunasöök (lunch), and õhtusöök (dinner). While söögiaeg emphasizes the timing rather than the specific meal, it is frequently used in contexts discussing daily routines, schedules, or meals in general. Cultural practices around söögiaeg have historically reflected practical needs and family life; today, mealtimes continue to be shaped by work, school, and urban lifestyles, with times becoming more flexible in many households.