Signification
A common way to ask how someone is doing.
Contexte culturel
Estonians often answer this question with 'Normaalselt' (Normally). This isn't a sign of a bad mood; it's a sign of modesty and realism. The phrase is often used as a 'warm-up' before getting to the main point of a conversation or request. In rural areas, this phrase might still carry a hint of its original meaning—asking if someone is physically fit to work. Using the 'ka' at the end ('Kuidas käsi käib ka?') makes you sound much more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.
Use 'ka'
Adding 'ka' at the end ('Kuidas käsi käib ka?') makes you sound 100% more natural.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid using 'Teie' (formal you) with close friends when using this phrase; it sounds sarcastic.
Signification
A common way to ask how someone is doing.
Use 'ka'
Adding 'ka' at the end ('Kuidas käsi käib ka?') makes you sound 100% more natural.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid using 'Teie' (formal you) with close friends when using this phrase; it sounds sarcastic.
The 'Normal' Answer
If you want to sound like a local, answer with 'Normaalselt' instead of 'Väga hästi'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the greeting.
Tere, Mari! Kuidas ____ käib?
The idiom specifically uses 'käsi' (hand).
Which of these is the most natural way to ask a friend how they are doing?
Vali õige lause:
The verb 'käima' is the only one that fits this idiom.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: Kuidas käsi käib? B: ________, tänan!
'Hästi' (well) is the standard positive response to this question.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Kuidas teil uues töökohas käsi käib?
The phrase is used to inquire about someone's progress or well-being in a specific context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTere, Mari! Kuidas ____ käib?
The idiom specifically uses 'käsi' (hand).
Vali õige lause:
The verb 'käima' is the only one that fits this idiom.
A: Kuidas käsi käib? B: ________, tänan!
'Hästi' (well) is the standard positive response to this question.
Kuidas teil uues töökohas käsi käib?
The phrase is used to inquire about someone's progress or well-being in a specific context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily, but it is more idiomatic and feels slightly warmer or more 'Estonian'.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship. If the office is very strict, use 'Kuidas teil läheb?'.
It's a historical metaphor for work and health. If your hand is 'walking', you are doing well.
The most common answers are 'Hästi' (Well) or 'Normaalselt' (Normally).
Yes, but 'Kuidas sul käsi käib?' (using the allative case) is much more common.
It's better to wait until the second or third meeting. For the first time, a simple 'Tere' is safer.
Yes: 'Kuidas teil käsi käib?'. Note that 'käsi' remains singular because you are asking about the collective 'hand' (state) of the group.
Yes: 'Kuidas sul eile käsi käis?' (How did you do yesterday?), but it's less common as a greeting.
No, Finnish uses 'Mitä kuuluu?' or 'Miten menee?'. This specific 'hand' idiom is uniquely Estonian.
No, it's a standard idiom. It's safe for almost all social situations.
Expressions liées
Kuidas läheb?
synonymHow is it going?
Kuidas elad?
similarHow are you living?
Mis uudist?
similarWhat's the news?
Kuidas käsi käib ka?
specialized formHow's it going anyway?
