Signification
A physically attractive young female.
Contexte culturel
Estonians value modesty. A compliment like 'ilus tüdruk' is often met with a shy 'aitäh' (thanks) and looking away, rather than a long conversation about it. Similar to Estonia, Finns use 'kaunis tyttö'. The cultural approach to compliments is equally reserved and sincere. In neighboring Latvia, 'skaista meitene' is the equivalent. There is a shared Baltic appreciation for natural, simple beauty. On Instagram, Estonians often use the English 'pretty girl' or 'beauty' alongside 'ilus tüdruk' to reach a wider audience.
The 'ü' sound
If you struggle with 'ü', try saying 'ee' while keeping your lips in a tight circle.
Age matters
Don't use 'tüdruk' for anyone who looks over 25-30 unless you know them well.
Signification
A physically attractive young female.
The 'ü' sound
If you struggle with 'ü', try saying 'ee' while keeping your lips in a tight circle.
Age matters
Don't use 'tüdruk' for anyone who looks over 25-30 unless you know them well.
Double the change
Always remember: if you change the ending of 'tüdruk', you MUST change 'ilus' too!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'ilus'.
Ma näen ______ tüdrukut.
The verb 'nägema' (to see) requires the partitive case, so 'ilus' becomes 'ilusat'.
Which sentence is a correct compliment?
How do you say 'You are a beautiful girl'?
In a simple 'A is B' sentence, we use the nominative case.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the basic singular, plural, and intensified forms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kes see on? B: See on minu õde. Ta on ______.
We are identifying the subject, so nominative is used.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Age-Appropriate Terms
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMa näen ______ tüdrukut.
The verb 'nägema' (to see) requires the partitive case, so 'ilus' becomes 'ilusat'.
How do you say 'You are a beautiful girl'?
In a simple 'A is B' sentence, we use the nominative case.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the basic singular, plural, and intensified forms.
A: Kes see on? B: See on minu õde. Ta on ______.
We are identifying the subject, so nominative is used.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a standard, polite compliment in Estonia, though like any compliment, it depends on the context and relationship.
Yes, it is very common for parents to call their daughters 'ilus tüdruk'.
The plural is 'ilusad tüdrukud'.
You say 'Ta on väga ilus tüdruk'.
Yes, 'püss' is common slang, but it's much more objectifying than 'ilus tüdruk'.
Yes, but 'kena' or 'tark' (smart) is more common. For boys, you'd say 'ilus poiss'.
Use 'kena tüdruk'. It's slightly less intense.
Historically it could, but in modern Estonian, it only means 'girl'.
Ma olen koos ilusa tüdrukuga.
In Estonia, it's better to avoid commenting on a stranger's appearance unless you are in a social setting like a bar or party.
Expressions liées
Ilus naine
similarBeautiful woman
Kena poiss
contrastHandsome boy
Kaunis neiu
specialized formBeautiful young lady
Inetu pardipoeg
contrastUgly duckling
Tõeline iludus
builds onA true beauty
