Signification
The person who arrives first gets the advantage.
Contexte culturel
Estonians are known for being punctual. Arriving 'first' is not just a competitive advantage but a sign of respect for time. Despite using 'mees' (man), Estonian is a genderless language. This proverb is one of the few places where a gendered word is used generically. In the tech-savvy Estonian culture, this phrase is often used for 'early access' in software or beta testing.
Use it for humor
It's best used with a smile. It makes you sound very native and playful.
Don't change the gender
Even if you are a woman, say 'mees'. Changing it to 'naine' sounds like a joke that didn't land.
Signification
The person who arrives first gets the advantage.
Use it for humor
It's best used with a smile. It makes you sound very native and playful.
Don't change the gender
Even if you are a woman, say 'mees'. Changing it to 'naine' sounds like a joke that didn't land.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Kes ees, see ______.
The standard proverb always uses 'mees' to rhyme with 'ees'.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
You see the last free parking spot at the mall.
This phrase is used for 'first come, first served' situations like parking.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas ma saan viimase koogi? B: Ei, mina sain selle! ______!
The context of taking the last cake fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesKes ees, see ______.
The standard proverb always uses 'mees' to rhyme with 'ees'.
You see the last free parking spot at the mall.
This phrase is used for 'first come, first served' situations like parking.
A: Kas ma saan viimase koogi? B: Ei, mina sain selle! ______!
The context of taking the last cake fits the proverb perfectly.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsIn modern usage, no. It is considered a fixed linguistic unit where 'mees' means 'winner'.
Only if the email is to a close colleague or friend. It's too informal for a boss or client.
Expressions liées
Kes hiljaks jääb, see ilma jääb
similarWho is late, misses out.
Esimene vasikas läheb aia taha
contrastThe first calf goes behind the fence (the first try often fails).
