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A1 verb 10 min de lectura

ujuma

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos ujuma en 30 segundos

Explicación ujuma in your Level:

At the A1 level, the focus is on the most basic use of 'ujuma'. Learners should be able to state whether they can swim, ask others if they like to swim, and use the verb in simple present tense sentences. The primary goal is to distinguish between 'ujuma' (going to swim) and 'ujuda' (liking to swim) in very simple structures. You will mostly use this word when talking about your hobbies or summer plans. For example, 'Mulle meeldib ujuda' (I like to swim) or 'Ma ujun meres' (I swim in the sea). Vocabulary is limited to common locations like 'meri' (sea), 'järv' (lake), and 'bassein' (pool). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex cases, just the basic conjugation: ujun, ujud, ujub. You should also learn the word 'ujula' (swimming pool) as a place where this activity happens. Simple questions like 'Kas sa ujud?' (Do you swim?) are essential for basic conversation. The focus is on physical activity and personal preference.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'ujuma' to include the past tense and more specific locations. You should be able to describe a past event, such as 'Eile ma ujusin basseinis' (Yesterday I swam in the pool). You will also start using the 'ma-infinitive' with the verb 'minema' (to go) more confidently: 'Lähme ujuma!' (Let's go swimming!). This level introduces the concept of frequency—how often you swim (iga päev, kord nädalas). You will also learn related nouns like 'ujuja' (swimmer) and 'ujumistrikoo' (swimsuit). The grammar becomes slightly more complex as you use the illative case for destination: 'Ma lähen järve ujuma' (I am going into the lake to swim). You should also be able to handle negative sentences correctly: 'Ma ei ujunud eile' (I didn't swim yesterday). At A2, you can participate in simple dialogues about beach trips and spa visits, using 'ujuma' as a central verb for leisure activities.

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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple physical descriptions and start using 'ujuma' in more complex sentence structures and common idiomatic expressions. You should be able to use the conditional mood: 'Kui vesi oleks soojem, ma ujuks' (If the water were warmer, I would swim). You will also encounter the word in news articles or weather reports, such as 'Vesi on ujumiseks sobiv' (The water is suitable for swimming). B1 learners should understand the difference between 'ujuma' and 'suplema' (to bathe/dip) and choose the appropriate word for the situation. You will also start to see 'ujuma' in compound words and as a base for other parts of speech, like 'ujumisriided' (swimwear) or 'ujumisoskus' (swimming skill). This level requires better control over the cases associated with the verb, especially when describing movement across something: 'Ta ujus üle jõe' (He swam across the river). You can also discuss health benefits of swimming using more varied vocabulary.

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At the B2 level, 'ujuma' is used fluently in both literal and metaphorical contexts. You should be able to understand and use figurative expressions like 'ujuma rahas' (to be swimming in money) or 'ujuma vastuvoolu' (to swim against the current/be a rebel). Your grammatical control should be high, allowing you to use participles: 'ujuv märgistus' (floating marker) or 'ujuvvahend' (floating craft). B2 learners can engage in debates about the environment (e.g., pollution in swimming areas) or discuss professional sports in detail. You will understand the nuances of different swimming styles (krool, rinnuliujumine, seliliujumine) and be able to describe them. At this stage, you can also use the verb in more formal writing, such as a blog post about travel or a health report. You should be comfortable with all tenses and moods, including the impersonal form: 'Suvel ujutakse palju' (In summer, people swim a lot / there is much swimming).

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'ujuma' and its stylistic variations. You can recognize the word in classical Estonian literature and understand how it might be used poetically to describe the movement of clouds or light. Your vocabulary includes rare synonyms and technical terms related to hydrodynamics or competitive swimming. You can use the verb to describe complex abstract states, such as 'mõtetes ujuma' (to be lost in thought/swimming in thoughts). C1 learners can distinguish between very subtle differences in meaning, such as the difference between 'ujuma' and 'triivima' (to drift) in technical or nautical contexts. You are also familiar with the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Finno-Ugric languages. You can write sophisticated essays where 'ujuma' serves as a metaphor for societal trends or personal growth. Your use of Estonian cases with the verb is flawless, even in the most complex and infrequent constructions.

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At the C2 level, 'ujuma' is a tool for total linguistic mastery. You can use the verb with the precision of a native speaker, employing it in puns, complex wordplay, and high-level academic or legal discourse. You understand the most obscure idioms and historical uses of the word. A C2 learner can analyze the phonetics of the word and its rhythmic place in Estonian poetry. You can discuss the evolution of the word from Proto-Finnic roots and its cognates in Finnish (uida) or Hungarian (úszik). In professional contexts, you can use the verb in specialized fields like marine biology or fluid mechanics without hesitation. You can also mimic different registers, from the 'slangy' talk of professional athletes to the formal tone of a government health regulation regarding public waters. At this level, 'ujuma' is not just a verb you know; it is a word you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning and emotion.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

ujuma en 30 segundos

Ujuma is the Estonian verb for 'to swim', essential for daily life and leisure.
It uses the 'ma-infinitive' form, commonly paired with the motion verb 'minema' (to go).
Grammatically, it requires different forms like 'ujuda' (da-infinitive) depending on the context.
It is culturally significant in Estonia due to the country's many lakes, sea access, and spa culture.

The Estonian verb ujuma is the fundamental term for the act of swimming. At its core, it describes the physical movement of a human or animal through water using limbs or fins. However, in the Estonian language, the word carries significant cultural weight due to the country's extensive coastline, numerous lakes, and deep-rooted spa traditions. Understanding ujuma requires more than just knowing its English equivalent; it necessitates an understanding of the Estonian verb system, specifically the distinction between the -ma and -da infinitives.

Physical Action: The primary use of ujuma is to describe the exercise or leisure activity of swimming in a body of water such as a pool (ujula), lake (järv), or the sea (meri). It implies an active, intentional movement.
Grammatical Function: As a ma-infinitive, this form is specifically used after verbs of motion. If you are 'going' to swim, you must use ujuma. If you 'want' or 'like' to swim, you switch to the da-infinitive form, ujuda.

Lapsed tahavad suvel iga päev järves ujuda, aga täna läheme me hoopis merre ujuma.

Translation: Children want to swim in the lake every day in summer, but today we are going to the sea to swim instead.

In Estonia, swimming is not just a summer activity. The concept of taliujumine (winter swimming) is extremely popular. When an Estonian says they are going ujuma in January, they might literally mean jumping into a hole cut in the ice (an auk or jääauk). This cultural nuance means the verb covers everything from professional Olympic training to freezing-cold wellness rituals. Furthermore, the word can be used figuratively to describe something floating or being submerged in a liquid, such as croutons swimming in soup or a person 'swimming' in a suit that is too large for them.

Part ujub rahulikult tiigil.

Translation: The duck is swimming calmly on the pond.

Historically, the word shares roots with other Finno-Ugric languages, emphasizing how vital water bodies have been to the survival and culture of the Estonian people. Whether it is navigating the Baltic Sea or enjoying the thousands of lakes in the interior, ujuma is a verb that connects the people to their geography. In modern contexts, you will see this word on signs for ujulad (swimming pools) and avalikud rannad (public beaches). It is one of the first verbs an A1 learner masters because it is essential for describing leisure and travel plans.

Metaphorical Usage: "Ujuma" can describe being overwhelmed. For instance, "ujuma ülepea võlgades" (to be swimming over one's head in debt) or "ujuma rahas" (to be swimming in money).

Ta ujub oma uutes riietes.

Translation: He is swimming in his new clothes (they are too big).

Using ujuma correctly in Estonian involves mastering verb conjugation and the two-infinitive system. Because Estonian is an agglutinative language, the endings change based on who is swimming and when the action takes place. For English speakers, the most confusing part is usually deciding between ujuma and ujuda. As a rule of thumb, use ujuma when there is a sense of 'to' or 'into' an action, and ujuda when the verb is the object of a preference or ability.

The Present Tense: To conjugate in the present: ma ujun (I swim), sa ujud (you swim), ta ujub (he/she swims), me ujume (we swim), te ujute (you all swim), nad ujuvad (they swim).

Kas sa ujud tavaliselt hommikuti?

Translation: Do you usually swim in the mornings?

When describing the location of swimming, Estonians use the inessive case (ending in -s) for being inside a body of water. For example, meres (in the sea) or basseinis (in the pool). However, if you are going to a place to swim, you use the illative case (into). "Ma lähen basseini ujuma" (I am going into the pool to swim). This distinction is vital for sounding like a native speaker.

Me ujusime üle jõe, et teisele kaldale jõuda.

Translation: We swam across the river to reach the other shore.

For more advanced usage, consider the da-infinitive in negative sentences or with modal verbs. "Ma ei oska ujuda" (I don't know how to swim). Here, oska (know how) requires the da-infinitive. Similarly, "Vesi on liiga külm, et ujuda" (The water is too cold to swim). Understanding these patterns allows you to build complex sentences that describe ability, necessity, and desire.

Imperative Form: To tell someone to swim: Uju! (Singular) or Ujuge! (Plural/Formal).

Ära uju liiga kaugele rannast!

Translation: Don't swim too far from the beach!

Finally, consider the participle forms. "Ujuv saar" (a floating island) or "ujuv vahend" (a floating device). These forms are derived from the same root and are common in technical or descriptive Estonian. By mastering these variations, you move from basic communication to expressive fluency.

In Estonia, the word ujuma is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from casual family outings to professional sports broadcasts. If you visit Estonia during the summer, you will hear this word constantly at the beach (rand). Families will discuss who is going ujuma and who is staying on the sand to sunbathe. In the winter, the context shifts to the many world-class spas and public swimming pools found in cities like Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu.

At the Spa (Spas): You will see signs saying "Palun käige enne ujumist duši all" (Please take a shower before swimming). The noun form ujumine is very common here.
In Schools: Swimming is a mandatory part of the Estonian physical education curriculum. Children will often say, "Meil on täna koolis ujumine" (We have swimming at school today).

Kas siin tohib ujuda?

Translation: Is it allowed to swim here? (Common question at lakes or docks).

Professional sports news frequently uses the word when discussing Estonian swimmers like Eneli Jefimova. Headlines might read "Eesti ujuja püstitas uue rekordi" (Estonian swimmer set a new record). You will also hear it in weather forecasts, specifically when the veetemperatuur (water temperature) is discussed, indicating whether it is a good day to go ujuma.

Lähme ujuma, vesi on täna väga soe!

Translation: Let's go swimming, the water is very warm today!

On social media, Estonians often post photos of sunsets by the sea with captions like "Õhtune ujumine" (Evening swim). The word evokes a sense of freedom, nature, and health. In more formal settings, such as environmental reports, you might hear about fish ujumas in polluted or clean waters, using the word in its most literal biological sense. Whether in a locker room, at a lakeside campfire, or on the evening news, ujuma is a core part of the Estonian auditory landscape.

News & Media: "Ujumisvõistlus" (Swimming competition) is a frequent term in the sports section of ERR or Postimees.

Kas sa oled juba sel aastal ujumas käinud?

Translation: Have you already been swimming this year? (Common spring/summer icebreaker).

For English speakers learning Estonian, the verb ujuma presents several grammatical hurdles. The most frequent error is the misuse of the two infinitives (ma vs da). In English, we simply say "to swim," but in Estonian, the choice depends entirely on the preceding verb. Another common mistake involves the use of cases for locations, particularly confusing inessive (in) and illative (into) when talking about where the swimming happens.

Infinitive Confusion: Mistake: "Ma tahan ujuma" (Incorrect). Correction: "Ma tahan ujuda". Reason: Tahtma (to want) requires the da-infinitive. Use ujuma only with motion verbs like minema (to go).

Vale: Ma lähen meres ujuda. Õige: Ma lähen merre ujuma.

Explanation: You go 'into' the sea (merre) and the motion verb 'lähen' requires 'ujuma'.

Another error is confusing ujuma with suplema. While both involve being in water, ujuma is the active stroke-based movement, whereas suplema is more like bathing, wading, or splashing around. If you are training for a triathlon, you are ujumas; if you are a toddler playing at the edge of the water, you are suplemas. Using ujuma when you are just standing in the water can sound slightly odd to native ears.

Vale: Ta uju hästi. Õige: Ta ujub hästi.

Explanation: Beginners often forget the third-person '-b' ending in the present tense.

Lastly, learners often struggle with the past tense. The verb ujuma is regular, but learners sometimes try to apply irregular patterns. The past tense is ujusin, ujusid, ujus, etc. Avoid saying "ujasin" or other invented forms. Also, pay attention to the word ujuja (swimmer). Some learners confuse it with ujula (swimming pool). You swim ujulas, you are an ujuja. Keeping these distinctions clear will significantly improve your Estonian accuracy.

Spelling Errors: Don't forget the 'j' in the middle. Some learners write "uuma" which is not a word. The 'j' sound is distinct and necessary for the root.

Ma ei oska ujuda.

Note: Using the 'da-infinitive' after 'oska' (know how) is a common place for mistakes.

While ujuma is the most common verb for swimming, Estonian offers several alternatives and related words that provide more specific meaning depending on the context. Choosing the right word can make your speech sound more natural and nuanced. Whether you are describing a casual dip, a professional race, or the way an object moves on the surface of the water, these alternatives are essential for your vocabulary enrichment.

Suplema vs Ujuma: Suplema is used for bathing or splashing around for pleasure. It doesn't necessarily involve the technical act of swimming strokes. Ujuma is more focused on the movement and exercise.
Hõljuma: This means 'to hover' or 'to float' in the air or on water without active movement. If a leaf is just sitting on the surface, it is hõljumas, not ujumas.

Lapsed armastavad madalas vees supled.

Translation: Children love to splash/bathe in shallow water.

For technical contexts, you might use kroolima (to crawl/freestyle), konnatama (slang for breaststroke, literally 'to frog'), or selili ujuma (to swim on one's back). If you are talking about crossing a distance, the verb läbima (to pass/traverse) is often paired with ujudes (by swimming). For example, "Ta läbis ujudes viis kilomeetrit" (He traversed five kilometers by swimming).

Paat triivib avamere poole.

Translation: The boat is drifting towards the open sea.

In a metaphorical sense, instead of ujuma, you might use uppuma (to drown/be submerged) when the context is negative. For instance, "uppuma töösse" (to be drowning in work). If you are talking about fish specifically, the verb kudema (to spawn) might be relevant in biological contexts, though they are still ujumas while doing so. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate different social and professional environments in Estonia.

Sukelduma: This means 'to dive'. It is a specific type of ujumine that involves going underwater.

Ta sukeldus sügavale, et korjata merekarpe.

Translation: He dived deep to pick up seashells.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The Finnish cognate is 'uida', which looks quite different but follows the same historical sound changes where the 'j' and 'm' were modified or lost in Finnish.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈujumɑ/

US /ˈujumɑ/

Primary stress is always on the first syllable: U-ju-ma.

Rima con

kujuma nujuma sujuma tujuma ajuma hajuma vajuma rajuma

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'j' like the English 'j' in 'jump' (it should be like 'y').
Elongating the 'u' into an 'oo' sound.
Missing the 'j' sound entirely and saying 'u-ma'.
Stressing the second syllable.
Pronouncing the final 'a' like a 'schwa' (it should be a clear 'ah' sound).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Escritura 2/5

Need to remember the 'j' and the correct infinitive.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but choosing ma/da-infinitive on the fly is tricky.

Escucha 1/5

Very distinct sound, hard to confuse with other words.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

vesi minema meeldima mina olema

Aprende después

suplema sukelduma rand bassein märg

Avanzado

hüdrodünaamika vastuvoolu triivima kudema voolus

Gramática que debes saber

The ma-infinitive (ujuma) is used after verbs of motion (e.g., minema, tõttama).

Ma lähen ujuma.

The da-infinitive (ujuda) is used after modal verbs (e.g., saama, võima, tohtima) and preference verbs (meeldima).

Ma tahan ujuda.

The inessive case (-s) is used to show where you are swimming.

Ma ujun meres.

The illative case is used to show where you are going to swim.

Ma lähen merre ujuma.

The present participle 'ujuv' acts as an adjective.

See on ujuv hotell.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Ma ujun basseinis.

I swim in the pool.

Present tense, 1st person singular. 'Basseinis' is in the inessive case.

Kas sulle meeldib ujuda?

Do you like to swim?

Uses the 'da-infinitive' (ujuda) after the verb 'meeldima'.

Ta ujub meres.

He/she swims in the sea.

Present tense, 3rd person singular ending in -b.

Me läheme täna ujuma.

We are going swimming today.

Uses the 'ma-infinitive' (ujuma) after the motion verb 'minema'.

Vesi on soe, uju ka!

The water is warm, swim too!

Imperative mood (command), singular form.

Ma ei oska ujuda.

I don't know how to swim.

Negative sentence with 'oska' requiring the 'da-infinitive'.

Kus sa ujud?

Where do you swim?

Question word 'kus' followed by 2nd person singular.

Nad ujuvad kiiresti.

They swim fast.

Present tense, 3rd person plural ending in -vad.

Eile me ujusime järves.

Yesterday we swam in the lake.

Past tense, 1st person plural.

Ma tahan sel suvel palju ujuda.

I want to swim a lot this summer.

Da-infinitive after 'tahan'.

Kas sa käisid juba ujumas?

Did you already go swimming?

Uses 'käima' with 'ujumas' (supine inessive).

Koer ujus palli järele.

The dog swam after the ball.

Past tense, 3rd person singular.

Me ei ujunud, sest vesi oli külm.

We didn't swim because the water was cold.

Negative past tense.

Kas te ujute tavaliselt hommikul?

Do you (plural) usually swim in the morning?

2nd person plural present tense.

Ta läks basseini ujuma.

He went into the pool to swim.

Illative case 'basseini' showing destination.

Ma ujun tavaliselt ühe kilomeetri.

I usually swim one kilometer.

Direct object in the genitive/nominative.

Kui vesi oleks soojem, ma ujuks.

If the water were warmer, I would swim.

Conditional mood (-ks ending).

Ujumine on väga tervislik spordiala.

Swimming is a very healthy sport.

Noun form 'ujumine' used as a subject.

Ta ujus üle lahe kahe tunniga.

He swam across the bay in two hours.

Preposition 'üle' with the genitive case.

Kas sa oled kunagi talvel ujunud?

Have you ever swam in winter?

Present perfect tense (olema + past participle).

Vesi on täna ujumiseks liiga must.

The water is too dirty for swimming today.

Translative case 'ujumiseks' (for swimming).

Ma ei julge nii sügaval ujuda.

I don't dare to swim so deep.

Da-infinitive after 'julge' (to dare).

Lapsed õpivad koolis ujuma.

Children learn to swim at school.

Ma-infinitive after 'õppima'.

Ta ujuis rinnuli, et mitte juukseid märjaks teha.

She swam breaststroke so as not to get her hair wet.

Adverb 'rinnuli' (breaststroke style).

Pärast rasket tööpäeva on mõnus basseinis ujuda.

After a hard workday, it's nice to swim in the pool.

Impersonal construction 'on mõnus'.

Ta ujub rahas, aga pole ikkagi õnnelik.

He is swimming in money, but is still not happy.

Idiomatic/figurative use of 'ujuma'.

Paat jäi keset järve ujuma.

The boat remained floating in the middle of the lake.

Ujuma used for an object floating.

Sportlane ujuis oma isikliku rekordi.

The athlete swam his personal record.

Transitive use with 'rekordi'.

Me ei tohi lasta sellel võimalusel käest ujuda.

We must not let this opportunity swim away (slip through our fingers).

Figurative use meaning 'to escape'.

Jões ujusid suured kalad.

Large fish were swimming in the river.

Plural subject with plural verb.

Ta on suurepärase ujumisoskusega.

He has excellent swimming skills.

Compound noun 'ujumisoskus'.

Kas sa eelistad ujuda meres või järves?

Do you prefer to swim in the sea or a lake?

Da-infinitive after 'eelistama'.

Poliitik ujuis osavalt küsimustest mööda.

The politician skillfully swam past (dodged) the questions.

Figurative use 'mööda ujuma' (to dodge/bypass).

Tema pilk ujuis unistavalt kaugusesse.

His gaze swam dreamily into the distance.

Poetic/literary use describing a gaze.

See teema ujuis jutuajamises korduvalt pinnale.

This topic repeatedly swam to the surface (came up) in the conversation.

Metaphorical use for a topic emerging.

Ujuvvahendite kasutamine on sellel veekogul keelatud.

The use of floating crafts is prohibited on this body of water.

Technical compound 'ujuvvahend'.

Ta ujub vastuvoolu, eirates kõiki ühiskonna norme.

He swims against the current, ignoring all societal norms.

Idiom 'vastuvoolu ujuma'.

Mälestused ujuvad aeg-ajalt mu teadvusse.

Memories occasionally swim into my consciousness.

Abstract usage describing mental processes.

Basseini vesi ujuis üle äärte.

The pool water overflowed (swam over) the edges.

Describing liquid movement.

Ta ujuis end hingetuks.

He swam himself out of breath.

Reflexive-style construction with 'end'.

Filosoofiline arutelu ujuis metafüüsilistesse kõrgustesse.

The philosophical discussion swam into metaphysical heights.

Highly abstract/stylistic usage.

See tekst ujuis mu silmade ees, ma olin nii väsinud.

The text was swimming before my eyes; I was so tired.

Describing a visual sensation of dizziness or fatigue.

Ta ujuis intriigide rägastikus nagu kala vees.

He swam through the maze of intrigues like a fish in water.

Double idiom: 'intriigide rägastik' and 'nagu kala vees'.

Ujumisliigutuste dünaamika on uuringu keskmes.

The dynamics of swimming movements are at the center of the study.

Academic usage with genitive compound.

Valgus ujuis läbi hommikuse udu.

The light swam through the morning mist.

Poetic use for light movement.

Riik ujuis majanduskriisi ajal määramatuses.

The country swam in uncertainty during the economic crisis.

Political/economic metaphor.

Ta ujuis välja sügavast depressioonist.

He swam out of deep depression.

Metaphor for recovery.

See on ujuv mõiste, mida on raske defineerida.

It is a 'floating' (fluid) concept that is hard to define.

Adjectival use of the participle 'ujuv'.

Colocaciones comunes

lähen ujuma

oskab ujuda

ujub vastuvoolu

ujub rahas

selili ujuma

kaugele ujuma

kiiresti ujuma

üle jõe ujuma

ujumas käima

talvel ujuma

Frases Comunes

Kus saab ujuda?

— Asking for a location where swimming is possible or allowed.

Vabandage, kus siin lähedal saab ujuda?

Vesi on ujumiseks hea.

— Stating that the water temperature or quality is suitable for swimming.

Tule vette, vesi on ujumiseks hea!

Ma ei taha ujuda.

— Expressing a lack of desire to enter the water.

Täna on liiga tuuline, ma ei taha ujuda.

Uju minu juurde!

— Commanding someone to swim towards your current position.

Ma olen siin kivi juures, uju minu juurde!

Sa ujud hästi.

— Complimenting someone on their swimming ability.

Ohoo, sa ujud väga hästi!

Lähme koos ujuma.

— Inviting someone to go swimming together.

Mul on igav üksinda, lähme koos ujuma.

Ujumine on keelatud.

— A formal notice that swimming is not allowed in a specific area.

Silt ütleb, et siin on ujumine keelatud.

Ta ujuis üle piiri.

— Literally or figuratively swimming across a border.

See on ohtlik, ta ujuis üle piiri.

Ma ujun iga päev.

— Stating a daily routine involving swimming.

Tervise nimel ma ujun iga päev.

Uju kaldale!

— Telling someone to return to the shore.

Sa oled liiga kaugel, uju kohe kaldale!

Se confunde a menudo con

ujuma vs suplema

Suplema is more for leisure/bathing, while ujuma is for the actual movement.

ujuma vs ujutama

Ujutama is causative, meaning to make something else swim (like a dog or a toy boat).

ujuma vs uhtuma

Uhtuma means to wash away or erode, which sounds slightly similar but is unrelated.

Modismos y expresiones

"ujuma rahas"

— To be extremely wealthy, as if swimming in money.

Pärast lotovõitu ta lausa ujub rahas.

informal

"vastuvoolu ujuma"

— To go against the common opinion or social trends.

Ta on mässaja, kes ujub alati vastuvoolu.

neutral

"nagu kala vees"

— To feel very comfortable and natural in a specific situation.

Laval tunneb ta end nagu kala vees.

neutral

"ülepea võlgades ujuma"

— To be deeply in debt.

Ta on oma firmaga ülepea võlgades ujunud juba aastaid.

informal

"pinnale ujuma"

— To emerge or become known (usually about a secret or a problem).

Lõpuks ujuis tõde ikkagi pinnale.

neutral

"silmade ees ujuma"

— To feel dizzy or have blurred vision.

Mul hakkas halb ja kõik ujuis silmade ees.

neutral

"ujuv graafik"

— A flexible schedule that changes frequently.

Mul on tööl ujuv graafik, saan ise aega valida.

neutral

"käest ujuma"

— To lose an opportunity or have something slip away.

Võit ujuis meil viimasel minutil käest.

informal

"mõtetes ujuma"

— To be lost in thought or daydreaming.

Ta ei kuulanud mind, ta ujuis oma mõtetes.

poetic

"ujuv mõiste"

— A vague or ill-defined concept.

Õnn on väga ujuv mõiste.

academic

Fácil de confundir

ujuma vs ujula

Sounds like the verb.

Ujula is the noun for the swimming pool building, whereas ujuma is the verb.

Ma lähen ujulasse ujuma.

ujuma vs ujuja

Similar root.

Ujuja is the person who swims (the swimmer).

Ta on väga kiire ujuja.

ujuma vs ujumine

Gerund form.

Ujumine is the noun for the act/sport of swimming.

Ujumine on kasulik.

ujuma vs uju-

Prefix in compounds.

Used to describe things related to swimming.

ujumismüts, ujumisriided.

ujuma vs ujuv

Participle form.

Functions as an adjective meaning 'floating'.

ujuv kai (floating dock).

Patrones de oraciones

Mulle meeldib [da-infinitive].

Mulle meeldib ujuda.

Ma lähen [ma-infinitive].

Ma lähen ujuma.

Ma käisin [supine inessive].

Ma käisin ujumas.

Ma ei [negative present].

Ma ei uju.

Kui..., siis ma [conditional].

Kui vesi on soe, siis ma ujuks.

[Noun] on [adjective] koht [da-infinitive] jaoks.

See järv on suurepärane koht ujuda jaoks.

[Metaphorical subject] ujub [location].

Kuu ujuis pilvede vahel.

Ujudes [abstract state].

Ta ujuis välja sügavast ahastusest.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

ujumine (swimming - the activity)

ujuja (swimmer)

ujula (swimming pool building)

ujumispüksid (swimming trunks)

ujumistrikoo (swimsuit)

ujumisriided (swimwear)

Verbos

ujutama (to make something swim / to float something)

suplema (to bathe)

sukelduma (to dive)

Adjetivos

ujuv (floating)

ujumis- (swimming-related, used in compounds)

Relacionado

vesi (water)

bassein (pool)

rand (beach)

laine (wave)

märg (wet)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in summer; high in winter due to spa culture.

Errores comunes

Ma tahan ujuma. → Ma tahan ujuda.
The verb 'tahtma' (to want) requires the da-infinitive, not the ma-infinitive.
Ma lähen ujuda. → Ma lähen ujuma.
Motion verbs like 'minema' (to go) require the ma-infinitive.
Ma ujun basseini. → Ma ujun basseinis.
Use the inessive case (-s) to show you are already in the water. 'Basseini' (illative) implies you are swimming 'into' it from outside.
Ta uju hästi. → Ta ujub hästi.
The third-person singular in the present tense must end in -b.
Ma ujasin eile. → Ma ujusin eile.
The past tense of 'ujuma' is 'ujusin'. It is a regular verb.

Consejos

The Motion Rule

Always use 'ujuma' after the verb 'minema'. This is a golden rule for Estonian learners. 'Ma lähen ujuma' is the only correct way to say you are heading out to swim.

Ujula vs Bassein

If you are meeting a friend at the facility, say 'saame kokku ujulas'. If you are already in the water, say 'ma olen basseinis'.

The 'J' Sound

Ensure the 'j' sounds like a 'y'. If you make it too hard like a 'g' or English 'j', Estonians might not understand you immediately.

Winter Swimming

If someone invites you 'taliujumisele', be prepared for ice-cold water! It's a popular health ritual in Estonia, often followed by a sauna.

Floating Objects

You can use 'ujuma' for objects like boats or logs if they are moving through the water, but 'hõljuma' is better if they are just sitting still on the surface.

Negative Present

In negative sentences, the verb loses its ending: 'Ma ei uju'. This applies to all persons: 'Sa ei uju', 'Nad ei uju'.

Swimwear

Learn 'ujumisriided' as a general term. It's much easier than remembering 'ujumistrikoo' (swimsuit) and 'ujumispüksid' (trunks) separately at first.

Asking Permission

Use 'Kas siin tohib ujuda?' to ask if swimming is allowed. It's polite and uses the correct da-infinitive.

Compound Words

When 'ujumis-' is the first part of a compound word, it usually takes the genitive form of the noun 'ujumine'.

The Root

The root 'uju-' is very stable. Once you know it, you can recognize dozens of related words easily.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Imagine a person forming the letter 'U' while jumping into a 'J' shaped pool. The 'MA' is just the verb ending you need to go there.

Asociación visual

Picture a duck ('part') swimming on a lake. The word 'ujuma' sounds a bit like the gentle 'whoosh' of water.

Word Web

vesi ujula ujuja ujumine bassein meri järv rand

Desafío

Try to use 'ujuma' (ma-inf) and 'ujuda' (da-inf) in the same sentence today!

Origen de la palabra

The word 'ujuma' is of Finno-Ugric origin, tracing back to the Proto-Finnic root *uida. It has cognates in almost all related languages.

Significado original: To move in water, to swim.

Uralic -> Finno-Ugric -> Finnic.

Contexto cultural

Be mindful that 'ujuma' is neutral, but 'suplema' can sometimes imply a more leisurely, less athletic context.

In English, we use 'go swimming' or 'to swim'. Estonian distinguishes based on the verb that precedes it, which is a common point of confusion for English speakers.

Eneli Jefimova (Estonian Olympic swimmer) Georg Ots (Famous singer who was also a champion swimmer) The 'Pirita' district in Tallinn, famous for its beach and Olympic sailing/swimming history.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Beach trip

Lähme randa!
Kas vesi on soe?
Ma lähen ujuma.
Kus on mu ujumisriided?

Swimming pool / Spa

Kus on riietusruum?
Ma ujun kümme ringi.
Kas saun on avatud?
Ma tahan ujuma minna.

Talking about hobbies

Mulle meeldib ujuda.
Ma olen ujuja.
Ma käin trennis.
Ujumine on hea trenn.

Safety

Ära uju kaugele!
Siin on sügav.
Ma ei oska ujuda.
Appi, ma ei jaksa enam ujuda!

Nature/Animals

Kalad ujuvad jões.
Koerale meeldib ujuda.
Vaata seda ujuvat saart!
Luiged ujuvad tiigil.

Inicios de conversación

"Kas sulle meeldib rohkem meres või basseinis ujuda?"

"Kui tihti sa tavaliselt ujumas käid?"

"Kas sa oled kunagi talvel jääaugus ujunud?"

"Kus on sinu arvates Eesti parim koht ujumiseks?"

"Kas sa mäletad, millal sa ujuma õppisid?"

Temas para diario

Kirjelda oma kõige meeldejäävamat ujumiskogemust looduses.

Miks on ujumine sinu arvates kasulik spordiala?

Kas sa eelistad ujuda üksi või koos sõpradega? Miks?

Kirjelda oma unistuste puhkust, kus on palju võimalusi ujuda.

Mida sa tunned, kui sa oled vees ja ujud?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

The difference is grammatical. 'Ujuma' is the ma-infinitive used after motion verbs like 'minema' (to go). 'Ujuda' is the da-infinitive used after verbs like 'meeldima' (to like) or 'oskama' (to know how). For example: 'Ma lähen ujuma' but 'Mulle meeldib ujuda'.

You say 'Ma lähen ujuma'. You use the verb 'minema' (to go) in the correct person followed by the ma-infinitive 'ujuma'.

Yes, 'ujuma' is a regular Estonian verb. Its principal parts are: ujuma (ma-inf), ujuda (da-inf), ujun (present 1st sg), ujusti (past 3rd sg). It follows standard conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -uma.

There are two words: 'bassein' refers to the pool of water itself, and 'ujula' refers to the entire building or facility containing the pool.

Yes, 'ujuma' is used for humans, animals, and even fish. For example: 'Kala ujub' (The fish swims) or 'Koer ujub' (The dog swims).

It literally translates to 'swimming schedule', but it means a 'flexible schedule' where the hours are not fixed and can change.

The past tense is: ujunud (participle), ujusin (I swam), ujusid (you swam), ujus (he/she swam), ujusime (we swam), ujusite (you all swam), ujusid (they swam).

It is called 'taliujumine'. People who do it are called 'taliujujad'. It usually involves swimming in very cold water or an ice hole.

You say 'Ma ei oska ujuda'. Note the use of 'oska' (know how) and the da-infinitive 'ujuda'.

A common informal word is 'sulistama', which means splashing around or taking a light dip, often used for children or casual bathing.

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