Signification
Used to ask if a seat or item is available.
Contexte culturel
Estonians value silence and personal space. Asking 'Kas see on vaba?' is often the only interaction you will have with a stranger at a table. Don't feel pressured to talk more. Similar to Finland and Sweden, there is a strong 'shared table' culture in busy city cafes. It is not considered rude to sit at a large table with others as long as you ask first. On buses, people often leave the seat next to them empty as long as possible. Only when the bus is quite full do people start asking 'Kas see on vaba?'. In a meeting room, even if you are the boss, asking if a chair is free is a sign of respect for the team's space.
The Nod
Often, Estonians will just nod or point to the chair instead of saying 'Jah'. Don't be offended; it's a sign of agreement.
The 'Tasuta' Trap
If you ask 'Kas see on tasuta?' in a cafe, the waiter might think you are asking for a free meal!
Signification
Used to ask if a seat or item is available.
The Nod
Often, Estonians will just nod or point to the chair instead of saying 'Jah'. Don't be offended; it's a sign of agreement.
The 'Tasuta' Trap
If you ask 'Kas see on tasuta?' in a cafe, the waiter might think you are asking for a free meal!
Add 'Vabandust'
Starting with 'Vabandust' (Excuse me) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Eye Contact
Make brief eye contact when asking, then look away once you sit down to respect their privacy.
Teste-toi
Complete the question to ask if the seat is free.
Kas see ___ vaba?
The 3rd person singular of 'olema' (to be) is 'on'.
Which phrase means 'Is this seat taken?' in a polite way?
Choose the correct option:
'Vaba' is the correct word for availability. 'Tasuta' means zero cost, 'lahti' means open, and 'kinni' means closed/occupied.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
Correct matching of basic social phrases.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vabandust, kas see koht on vaba? B: ______.
'Jah, palun' (Yes, please) is the standard polite response to allow someone to sit.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use VABA vs TASUTA
VABA (Availability)
- • Seats
- • Tables
- • Time
- • Parking
TASUTA (Price)
- • Samples
- • Gifts
- • Free WiFi
- • No Entry Fee
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKas see ___ vaba?
The 3rd person singular of 'olema' (to be) is 'on'.
Choose the correct option:
'Vaba' is the correct word for availability. 'Tasuta' means zero cost, 'lahti' means open, and 'kinni' means closed/occupied.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Correct matching of basic social phrases.
A: Vabandust, kas see koht on vaba? B: ______.
'Jah, palun' (Yes, please) is the standard polite response to allow someone to sit.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, in very informal settings like a gym or a student lounge, pointing and saying 'Vaba?' with a questioning tone is common.
If they say 'Ei' (No), they might follow up with 'See on võetud' (It's taken) or 'Sõber tuleb' (A friend is coming). Just say 'Aitäh' and move on.
Yes, 'Kas sa oled vaba?' means 'Are you free/available?'.
It can, but 'vallaline' is the more specific word for being single.
Say 'Kas see laud on vaba?'.
Yes: 'Vabandage, ega see koht hõivatud pole?' (Excuse me, this seat isn't occupied, is it?).
Yes, 'Kas see parkimiskoht on vaba?' is perfect.
The plural is 'Kas need on vabad?'.
Yes, 'vabadus' is the noun for 'freedom'.
'Kas' is a question particle that turns any statement into a yes/no question.
Yes, when asking about availability for a meeting.
You can still ask. The person will usually move the bag if the seat is 'vaba'.
In Estonian, 'b', 'd', and 'g' are voiceless or semi-voiced, so it sounds softer than an English 'b'.
The Finnish equivalent is 'Onko tämä vapaa?', which is very similar.
Expressions liées
Kas siin on keegi?
similarIs someone here?
See on hõivatud
contrastThis is occupied
Vaba aeg
builds onFree time
Tasuta sissepääs
contrastFree entrance
Vabanege!
specialized formGet free! / Move!
