Signification
Informal way to say yes or agree.
Contexte culturel
Estonians are known for their 'quiet' nature. Using 'mhmh' is a way to be social without being loud or intrusive. It's a sign of a 'comfortable silence'. Similar to Finns, Estonians use 'ingressive' speech (breathing in while talking), and 'mhmh' can sometimes be produced this way, though it's rarer than the Finnish 'joo'. In the highly digitized Estonian society, 'mhmh' is the king of quick Slack or Messenger reactions among colleagues who have a friendly relationship. Older Estonians might find 'mhmh' slightly too casual if used by a younger person toward them, preferring a clear 'jah'.
The Nod Factor
Always pair 'mhmh' with a small nod when speaking in person; it makes you sound much more like a native.
The Boss Rule
If your boss asks you something important, never just say 'mhmh'. Use 'Jah' or 'Saan aru'.
Signification
Informal way to say yes or agree.
The Nod Factor
Always pair 'mhmh' with a small nod when speaking in person; it makes you sound much more like a native.
The Boss Rule
If your boss asks you something important, never just say 'mhmh'. Use 'Jah' or 'Saan aru'.
Texting Mastery
In texts, 'mhmh' is warmer than just 'mhm'. The extra 'h' adds a touch of friendliness.
Silence is Okay
Don't feel the need to fill every silence. A single 'mhmh' can sustain a conversation for minutes in Estonia.
Teste-toi
Täida lünk sobiva sõnaga (informaalne vestlus).
Sõber: 'Kas sa tahad täna kinno minna?' Sina: '______, lähme!'
In a casual conversation with a friend, 'mhmh' is a perfect way to say yes.
Milline neist on 'ei' (no) informaalne vorm?
Vali õige vastus:
'Mkm' is the negative counterpart to 'mhmh'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situatsioon: Tööintervjuu ülemusega.
You must use formal language like 'Jah' in a job interview.
Complete the dialogue using 'mhmh' as a backchanneling tool.
Kati: 'Ma käisin eile uues poes...' Sina: '______' Kati: '...ja seal oli kõik nii kallis!'
Using 'mhmh' shows you are listening to Kati's story.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Yes vs. No (Informal)
Where to use 'Mhmh'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Texting
- • Pub
Unsafe
- • Job Interview
- • Court
- • First meeting with elders
- • Formal Email
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSõber: 'Kas sa tahad täna kinno minna?' Sina: '______, lähme!'
In a casual conversation with a friend, 'mhmh' is a perfect way to say yes.
Vali õige vastus:
'Mkm' is the negative counterpart to 'mhmh'.
Situatsioon: Tööintervjuu ülemusega.
You must use formal language like 'Jah' in a job interview.
Kati: 'Ma käisin eile uues poes...' Sina: '______' Kati: '...ja seal oli kõik nii kallis!'
Using 'mhmh' shows you are listening to Kati's story.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's an interjection. While not a 'root word', it is a standard part of the Estonian language and is found in dictionaries of synonyms and interjections.
Generally, no. It's better to use 'jah' to show respect, unless you have a very close, long-term relationship with them.
Most commonly 'mhmh' or 'mhm'. In very casual texting, some might just write 'mm'.
It will sound like a question, like 'What did you say?' or 'Really?'.
Similar, but 'okei' often implies agreement to a plan, while 'mhmh' is a more general 'yes' or 'I hear you'.
Estonians use it very frequently because it fits their cultural preference for low-energy, efficient communication.
Only if used in a formal context. Between friends, it's perfectly polite and natural.
No, that's 'mkm'. Using 'mhmh' for 'no' will cause total confusion!
No, interjections do not have plural forms.
Yes, in dialogue to make characters sound realistic and casual.
Expressions liées
jah
synonymYes
mkm
contrastNo
just nii
similarExactly so
nii on
similarThat's how it is
davai
similarOkay / Let's go
