Signification
Being in a good physical state.
Contexte culturel
Estonians often associate 'hea tervis' with the sauna. The sauna is seen as a place of healing where one 'washes away' illness to maintain health. There is a cultural emphasis on 'karastamine' (cold-hardening). Swimming in icy water is a common way to prove one has 'hea tervis'. In traditional folklore, health was protected by spirits. Saying 'Head tervist' was once a way to ward off evil spirits. Modern Estonians are very health-conscious, with high participation in marathons and hiking, all in the name of 'hea tervis'.
The 'Tere' Connection
Remember that 'Tere' (Hello) and 'Tervis' (Health) are cousins. Greeting someone is wishing them health!
Case Matters
Don't forget to use 'Head tervist!' (partitive) for wishes. Using the nominative sounds like a robot.
Signification
Being in a good physical state.
The 'Tere' Connection
Remember that 'Tere' (Hello) and 'Tervis' (Health) are cousins. Greeting someone is wishing them health!
Case Matters
Don't forget to use 'Head tervist!' (partitive) for wishes. Using the nominative sounds like a robot.
Sauna Context
If you want to sound like a local, mention 'hea tervis' in the context of a sauna session.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'hea tervis' for a birthday wish.
Palju õnne! Soovin sulle ______ ______!
The verb 'soovima' (to wish) requires the partitive case.
Which sentence is correct to say 'I have good health'?
Kuidas öelda: 'I have good health'?
In Estonian, we use 'Mul on' (On me is) + nominative for possession/states.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Someone just sneezed. What do you say?
'Terviseks!' is the specific response for sneezing or toasts.
Complete the dialogue.
Arst: 'Kuidas te ennast tunnete?' Patsient: 'Hästi, mul on üldiselt ______ ______.'
The patient is describing their general state in the nominative.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tervis vs Terviseks
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPalju õnne! Soovin sulle ______ ______!
The verb 'soovima' (to wish) requires the partitive case.
Kuidas öelda: 'I have good health'?
In Estonian, we use 'Mul on' (On me is) + nominative for possession/states.
Someone just sneezed. What do you say?
'Terviseks!' is the specific response for sneezing or toasts.
Arst: 'Kuidas te ennast tunnete?' Patsient: 'Hästi, mul on üldiselt ______ ______.'
The patient is describing their general state in the nominative.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but usually you say 'Mul on hea tervis' (I have good health) or simply 'Ma olen terve' (I am healthy).
In a card, use 'Head tervist!', because you are wishing it to them.
The opposite is 'halb tervis' (bad health) or 'nõrk tervis' (weak health).
Usually, 'hea tervis' implies physical health. For mental health, use 'hea vaimne tervis'.
It is neutral. It works with friends, doctors, and bosses.
Pronounce it as TER-vis, with a short 'e' and a clear 's' at the end.
Because 'head' is the partitive form of 'hea', required by the implied verb 'soovima' (to wish).
Yes, it can be used for animals too.
Yes, 'tervis' is the noun (health) and 'terve' is the adjective (healthy/whole).
It means 'strong health', often used for someone who is very robust.
Expressions liées
tervislik eluviis
builds onhealthy lifestyle
terviseks
similarcheers / bless you
tugev tervis
synonymstrong health
vaimne tervis
specialized formmental health
tervishoid
relatedhealthcare