When you are at the B1 level in Estonian, you'll find that 'nina' is a straightforward noun. It means 'nose' and it's used exactly like its English counterpart. For example, if someone has a cold, you might say their 'nina jookseb' (their nose is running). You'll encounter it in everyday descriptions of people and animals, or in phrases related to scent. Keep an ear out for it in common expressions too.
When you're speaking Estonian at a C2 level, you'll find that words like "nina" (nose) often appear in more complex and idiomatic expressions. It's not just about identifying the body part anymore; it's about understanding its role in metaphor and nuanced meaning. For example, consider phrases like "nina kirtsutama" (to wrinkle one's nose, meaning to disapprove) or "nina püsti ajama" (to turn up one's nose, meaning to be arrogant). These expressions show a sophisticated understanding of how everyday vocabulary can be used to convey deeper emotions and social observations.
Mastering these idiomatic uses of "nina" is crucial for achieving true fluency and sounding like a native speaker. It requires moving beyond literal translations and delving into the cultural context behind these phrases. This level of comprehension allows you to not only understand but also effectively use Estonian in a wide range of social and communicative situations, adding richness and precision to your language.
§ The Basics: What 'nina' Means
Let's get straight to it. In Estonian, 'nina' means 'nose'. It's a fundamental word, and you'll hear it in many contexts. Knowing this word is a great first step in building your Estonian vocabulary.
- Estonian Word
- nina (noun)
- CEFR Level
- A1
- Definition
- The organ of smell, the nose.
§ How 'nina' is Used
Like in English, 'nina' is used for the physical nose on your face. But it can also be part of expressions. Let's look at some direct uses first.
Tal on suur nina.
This simply means: "He/She has a big nose." Pretty straightforward, right?
Laps nuuskas nina.
This translates to: "The child blew his/her nose." Here, 'nina' is clearly the object of the action.
§ 'Nina' in Common Phrases and Expressions
Estonians use 'nina' in several idiomatic expressions. Knowing these will make your Estonian sound much more natural.
Nina püsti ajama: Literally "to put one's nose up." This means to act arrogantly or proudly. Think of someone sticking their nose in the air.
Ta ajab oma nina püsti.
Translation: "He/She is acting arrogantly."
Nii et nina märg: Literally "so that the nose is wet." This expression means to work very hard, to be extremely busy. It implies sweating from effort.
Töötasime eile nii et nina märg.
Translation: "We worked very hard yesterday."
Ninas ringi käima: Literally "to walk around in one's nose." This expression means to meddle or poke one's nose into other people's business.
Ära käi minu asjades ninas ringi!
Translation: "Don't meddle in my affairs!"
§ Where You'll Hear 'nina'
You'll encounter 'nina' in many situations:
Everyday conversations: When people talk about health (allergies, colds), appearance, or just describing things. For example, if someone has a cold, they might say, "Mul on nina kinni" (My nose is stuffy).
Medical contexts: Doctors and nurses will use 'nina' when discussing symptoms or procedures related to the nose.
News: While less common, 'nina' might appear in news reports if it's related to an accident, a medical story, or even a metaphorical use of an idiom. For example, a politician might be accused of 'putting their nose into' something they shouldn't.
Literature and entertainment: Stories, songs, and even children's books will use 'nina' regularly. Think of characters with distinctive noses or songs about body parts.
By understanding the direct meaning and common expressions, you'll be well-equipped to recognize and use 'nina' effectively in Estonian.
§ Understanding "nina" in Estonian
The word nina in Estonian primarily means 'nose'. It's a straightforward word, but like many words, it can be tricky for English speakers due to its grammatical cases and some idiomatic uses. Let's break down the common pitfalls.
§ Mistake 1: Not Using the Correct Case
Estonian is an agglutinative language, meaning it uses many grammatical cases. This is probably the biggest challenge for learners. The base form is nina, but it changes depending on its function in a sentence.
- DEFINITION
- The organ of smell, the nose
Here are some common cases for nina and how to use them:
- Nominative: nina (the nose, subject of the sentence)
Minu nina on suur. (My nose is big.)
- Genitive: nina (of the nose, possession)
Ma näen tema nina otsa. (I see the tip of his nose.)
- Partitive: nina (some nose, used with quantities, negation, or after certain verbs/prepositions)
Tal ei ole suurt nina. (He does not have a big nose.)
- Illative: ninasse (into the nose)
Vesi läks mul ninasse. (Water went into my nose.)
- Adessive: ninal (on the nose)
Tal on tedretäpid ninal. (He has freckles on his nose.)
§ Mistake 2: Confusing with other body parts
While nina is quite specific, sometimes beginners might mix it up with other facial features if they're not paying attention.
- Suu (mouth)
- Silm (eye)
- Kõrv (ear)
Always double-check the word you are using to avoid comical (or confusing) misunderstandings.
Mul on valus nina. (My nose hurts.)
Mul on valus suu. (My mouth hurts.)
§ Mistake 3: Literal Translation of Idioms
This is where things get really interesting in any language. While nina means 'nose', don't assume every phrase with 'nose' in English will have nina in Estonian. For example, 'to be nosey' in English doesn't translate directly to something with nina in Estonian.
Ta toppis oma nina kõikjale. (He poked his nose everywhere. / He was being nosy.)
This is one of the few direct translations of the 'nosey' idiom. However, don't rely on it too much. When in doubt, avoid direct idiomatic translations.
§ Mistake 4: Not recognizing derived words
Sometimes, nina appears in compound words, where its meaning might be slightly extended but still related to the core idea of 'nose' or 'front part'.
- Ninarätik (handkerchief, literally 'nose cloth')
- Ninapidi (by the nose, often in the sense of leading someone on or having them follow closely)
Anna mulle ninarätik, palun. (Give me a handkerchief, please.)
By paying attention to these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to using nina correctly and confidently in Estonian!
Beispiele nach Niveau
Koer nuusutas oma ninaga maad.
The dog sniffed the ground with its nose.
Tal on väike nina.
He/She has a small nose.
Nina on inimese näo keskel.
The nose is in the middle of a person's face.
Laps pühkis oma nina varrukasse.
The child wiped their nose on their sleeve.
Külmaga läheb nina punaseks.
In the cold, the nose turns red.
Ma sain palli ninaga pihta.
I got hit by the ball on my nose.
Ta tõmbas nina kirtsu.
He/She wrinkled their nose.
Ninast tuleb verd.
Blood is coming from the nose.
Ta nina on külmetusest punane ja paistes.
His nose is red and swollen from the cold.
Koer ajas nina maas lõhna jälgi.
The dog tracked the scent with its nose to the ground.
Laps pistis nina raamatusse ja unustas kõik muu.
The child buried his nose in a book and forgot everything else.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to bury one's nose in a book' or 'to read intently'.
Ma ei torgi oma nina teiste asjadesse.
I don't stick my nose into other people's business.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to mind one's own business'.
Ninaverejooks on tihti tingitud kuivast õhust.
Nosebleeds are often caused by dry air.
Arst kontrollis patsiendi nina ja kurgu seisundit.
The doctor checked the condition of the patient's nose and throat.
See veinil on puuviljane aroom, mis paitab nina.
This wine has a fruity aroma that pleases the nose.
Ta keeras oma nina uue pakkumise peale krimpsu.
He turned up his nose at the new offer.
Idiomatic expression meaning 'to turn up one's nose' or 'to express disdain'.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
While 'nina' is primarily 'nose', be mindful of its use in idiomatic expressions where it might not directly translate to 'nose' in English.
Pay close attention to context to distinguish between 'advice' and 'dish/container' meanings.
Remember that 'naine' can mean both 'woman' and 'wife' depending on the context, especially with possessive pronouns.
Leicht verwechselbar
While 'nina' directly translates to 'nose', its usage in idioms can be confusing for English speakers. Estonian uses 'nina' in phrases where English might use 'head' or 'front'.
In direct translation, 'nina' is always 'nose'. However, context is key for idiomatic expressions. For example, 'olema nina ees' literally 'to be in front of nose' actually means 'to be in front of you' or 'to be imminent'.
Hoia oma nina puhtana. (Keep your nose clean.)
'Naine' means 'woman' or 'wife'. The confusion arises when it's used as 'my wife', which in Estonian is 'minu naine'. English speakers might overthink the possession.
'Naine' refers to an adult female. It can also specifically mean 'wife' when used in a possessive context, like 'tema naine' (his wife).
See naine on minu õpetaja. (This woman is my teacher.)
'Nägu' translates to 'face'. Confusion can occur with its use in expressions like 'näo järgi', which means 'by appearance' or 'by face value', rather than literally 'according to the face'.
'Nägu' is the front part of the head. It's often used in phrases describing appearance or identity. For example, 'näo kaotama' (to lose face).
Tal on ilus nägu. (He/She has a beautiful face.)
'Nõu' has multiple meanings: 'advice', 'counsel', or a 'dish/container'. This can be very confusing without context.
When referring to 'advice', it's usually in phrases like 'nõu andma' (to give advice). When it's a 'dish', it's often used in a more concrete context like 'söögiriistad ja nõud' (cutlery and dishes).
Ma vajan sinu nõu. (I need your advice.) / Palun pane nõud lauale. (Please put the dishes on the table.)
'Number' means 'number'. The confusion might be with its pronunciation for English speakers, or in its use in contexts where English might use 'size' (e.g., shoe number).
It's a direct loanword from German and English, meaning a mathematical value or a position in a series. It can also mean 'size' for clothing or shoes.
Mis on sinu telefoninumber? (What is your phone number?) / Mis on sinu jalanumber? (What is your shoe size?)
Tipps
Basic use of 'nina'
In Estonian, 'nina' is the word for nose. It's a common noun you'll use often.
Singular and plural
The singular form is 'nina'. The plural is 'ninad'. Remember that Estonian adds different endings for plural.
Pronunciation
Pronounce 'nina' like NEE-nah. The 'i' is like the 'ee' in see.
Contextual examples
You might say 'Mul on suur nina' (I have a big nose) or 'Lõhnab oma ninaga' (Smell with your nose).
Idiomatic expressions
Estonian has expressions with 'nina'. For example, 'nina peale saama' means to get a telling-off (literally 'to get on the nose').
Different meanings
While 'nina' primarily means nose, it can also refer to the front part or tip of something, like 'laeva nina' (the bow of a ship).
Related words
A related word is 'ninakõrvalkoobas' (sinus). This shows how words are built in Estonian.
Don't confuse with 'naine'
Be careful not to confuse 'nina' with 'naine' (woman). They sound similar but have different meanings.
Cultural phrases
An interesting cultural note: 'nina vastu maad' means face down or prostrate, literally 'nose to the ground'.
Case endings for 'nina'
As you advance, you'll learn about Estonian case endings. For 'nina', the partitive case is 'nina', and the genitive is 'nina'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Describing someone's appearance:
- Tal on suur nina. (He/She has a big nose.)
- Tal on väike nina. (He/She has a small nose.)
- Tal on sirge nina. (He/She has a straight nose.)
Talking about an animal's nose:
- Koeral on märg nina. (The dog has a wet nose.)
- Kassil on roosa nina. (The cat has a pink nose.)
- Rebasel on terav nina. (The fox has a sharp nose.)
Discussing scents:
- See lõhnab mu nina jaoks halvasti. (It smells bad to my nose.)
- Mu nina on umbes. (My nose is stuffy.)
- Ta nuusutas lille oma ninaga. (He/She smelled the flower with his/her nose.)
Idiomatic expressions:
- Oma nina toppima. (To poke one's nose in/to meddle.)
- Pika ninaga jääma. (To be left with a long nose/to be disappointed.)
- Nina peale saama. (To get on someone's nose/to get angry.)
Health issues:
- Mul on nina kinni. (My nose is blocked.)
- Nina jookseb. (My nose is running.)
- Tal on ninaverejooks. (He/She has a nosebleed.)
Gesprächseinstiege
"Kas sul on suur või väike nina? (Do you have a big or small nose?)"
"Mis värvi su lemmiklooma nina on? (What color is your pet's nose?)"
"Mis on kõige parem lõhn, mida sa oma ninaga oled tundnud? (What is the best smell you've ever smelled with your nose?)"
"Oled sa kunagi oma nina kuhugi toppinud, kuhu poleks pidanud? (Have you ever poked your nose where it shouldn't have been poked?)"
"Kuidas sa oma nina eest hoolitsed, kui see on haige? (How do you take care of your nose when it's sick?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Kirjelda oma nina. Kas sulle meeldib see? Miks või miks mitte? (Describe your nose. Do you like it? Why or why not?)
Mõtle mõnele loomale, kellel on väga omapärane nina. Kirjelda seda. (Think of an animal with a very peculiar nose. Describe it.)
Milliseid lõhnu sa oma kodus kõige rohkem armastad? Kuidas need sind tunnetama panevad? (What smells do you love most in your home? How do they make you feel?)
Kas oled kunagi sattunud olukorda, kus sind jäeti pika ninaga? Kirjelda seda. (Have you ever been in a situation where you were left with a long nose? Describe it.)
Kuidas sa tunned, kui su nina on umbes või jookseb? Millised on sinu leevendusmeetodid? (How do you feel when your nose is stuffy or running? What are your relief methods?)
Teste dich selbst 18 Fragen
Pärast suurt nuuskamist oli tal nina jooksnud ja ta vajas salvrätikut, et seda kuivatada. Kuidagi on tema ___ alati punane, kui ta on külmetanud.
The context implies an organ that runs when one has a cold and turns red, which is the nose (nina).
Arst kontrollis patsiendi ___ reflekse, puudutades õrnalt tema ninaotsa, et näha tahtmatut reaktsiooni.
The phrase 'nina reflekse' (nose reflexes) refers to a specific medical examination. The other options don't fit the context of a reflex test on the face.
Lapse ___ oli kaetud šokolaadiga, mis viitas hiljutisele kommide söömisele, jättes maha magusa, kuid kleepuva mälestuse.
Chocolate is often found on the nose or around the mouth after eating. 'Nina' fits the context of being covered in chocolate after eating sweets.
Ta kandis ebatavalisi prille, mis istusid otse tema ___ tipus, andes talle intellektuaalse ja omapärase välimuse.
Glasses typically rest on the bridge of the nose. 'Nina' (nose) is the only option that makes sense for where glasses would sit.
Kunstnik modelleeris skulptuuri ___ hoolikalt, et saavutada inimese näo täpne ja realistlik kujutis.
When sculpting a human face, the nose is a prominent feature that requires careful modeling to achieve realism. The other options are not primary facial features.
Lõvi urises, tõstes oma ___ üles ja paljastades teravad hambad, hoiatades igaüht, kes julges talle liiga lähedale tulla.
When a lion growls and bares its teeth, it often involves raising its snout or nose. 'Nina' (nose) fits this action of an animal.
Imagine you are describing someone you met recently. Write a short paragraph in Estonian, including a physical description of their nose and how it contributes to their overall appearance. Use 'nina' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mu sõber Jaanus on pikk ja tal on natuke kõver nina, mis annab talle iseloomu. Tema nina sobib hästi tema näoga ja teeb ta äratuntavaks. See ei ole liiga suur ega liiga väike.
Write a short story (3-4 sentences) about an embarrassing situation where someone's nose played a role. For example, they sneezed loudly, got something stuck in it, or had a prominent nose that caused a misunderstanding. Ensure you use the word 'nina' correctly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Kord kohtumisel oli mul hirmus nohu ja minu nina muutus täiesti punaseks. Iga kord, kui ma tahtsin midagi öelda, hakkasin ma hoopis aevastama. See oli väga piinlik olukord, sest minu nina lihtsalt ei lasknud mul rääkida.
You are writing a medical blog post about the importance of nose hygiene. Write a paragraph explaining why keeping your nose clean is essential for overall health, using 'nina' and related vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nina hügieen on väga oluline meie üldisele tervisele. Puhta nina kaudu hingamine aitab vältida tolmu ja bakterite sattumist kopsudesse. Seepärast on tähtis oma nina regulaarselt puhastada, eriti külmetuse ajal, et tagada hea hingamisteede tervis.
Mida tähendab vanasõna "Igal oinal oma nina"?
Read this passage:
Eesti vanasõna ütleb: "Igal oinal oma nina." See tähendab, et iga inimene on isikupärane ja tal on oma arvamus või viis asjade tegemiseks. Kedagi ei saa sundida teistmoodi käituma, kui ta ise tahab. See vanasõna rõhutab iseseisvuse ja individuaalsuse väärtust.
Mida tähendab vanasõna "Igal oinal oma nina"?
Vanasõna "Igal oinal oma nina" on metafoorne väljend, mis rõhutab iga inimese individuaalsust ja õigust oma arvamusele või viisile asju teha.
Vanasõna "Igal oinal oma nina" on metafoorne väljend, mis rõhutab iga inimese individuaalsust ja õigust oma arvamusele või viisile asju teha.
Milline järgmistest väidetest on selle teksti põhjal õige nina funktsioonide kohta?
Read this passage:
Kuigi me sageli mõtleme ninast kui lihtsalt haistmisorganist, on sellel palju muid olulisi funktsioone. Nina filtreerib ja soojendab sissehingatavat õhku, kaitstes meie kopse. Samuti aitab see hääle resonantsil ja aitab kaasa näoilmetele. Seega on nina palju enamat kui lihtsalt haistmine.
Milline järgmistest väidetest on selle teksti põhjal õige nina funktsioonide kohta?
Tekstis on selgelt öeldud, et nina filtreerib ja soojendab sissehingatavat õhku, mis on üks selle olulistest funktsioonidest.
Tekstis on selgelt öeldud, et nina filtreerib ja soojendab sissehingatavat õhku, mis on üks selle olulistest funktsioonidest.
Mida tekst mainib nina ja iseloomuomaduste seose kohta?
Read this passage:
Mõnes kultuuris on nina suurus ja kuju seotud teatud iseloomuomadustega. Näiteks usutakse mõnes traditsioonis, et suur nina on märk tarkusest või tugevast tahtest. Kuigi need uskumused on pigem folkloorilised ja teaduslikult põhjendamatud, näitavad need, kui oluliseks inimesed oma nina on pidanud läbi aegade ja kultuuride.
Mida tekst mainib nina ja iseloomuomaduste seose kohta?
Tekstis on öeldud, et mõnes kultuuris on nina suurus ja kuju seotud teatud iseloomuomadustega, isegi kui need on folkloorilised uskumused.
Tekstis on öeldud, et mõnes kultuuris on nina suurus ja kuju seotud teatud iseloomuomadustega, isegi kui need on folkloorilised uskumused.
This sentence discusses the complexities of achieving compromise in negotiations, which is a C2 level topic requiring advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
This sentence addresses the dependency of project success on adaptability to changing market conditions, reflecting C2 level comprehension of complex business and economic concepts.
This sentence describes the public's reaction to a government decision regarding new taxes, a C2 level topic involving understanding societal responses to policy changes.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'nina'
In Estonian, 'nina' is the word for nose. It's a common noun you'll use often.
Singular and plural
The singular form is 'nina'. The plural is 'ninad'. Remember that Estonian adds different endings for plural.
Pronunciation
Pronounce 'nina' like NEE-nah. The 'i' is like the 'ee' in see.
Contextual examples
You might say 'Mul on suur nina' (I have a big nose) or 'Lõhnab oma ninaga' (Smell with your nose).
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr health Wörter
haige
A1Sick or ill
jalg
A1The foot or the whole leg
käsi
A1The hand or the whole arm
kõht
A1The stomach or belly area
kõrv
A1The organ of hearing, the ear
pea
A1The head of a person or animal
prillid
A1Eyeglasses to help vision
selg
A1The back of the body
silm
A1The organ of sight, the eye
suu
A1The opening through which one eats and speaks
