Signification
Acting superior or stuck-up.
Contexte culturel
Estonians value 'talupojatarkus' (peasant wisdom) and humility. Acting superior is one of the quickest ways to lose respect in an Estonian social circle. Similar to Estonians, Finns have the 'Law of Jante' (though more Scandinavian), where you shouldn't think you are better than anyone else. The Estonian phrase resonates perfectly with Finnish values. During the Soviet occupation, 'nina püsti ajamine' was often associated with those who collaborated with the authorities to get special privileges, adding a layer of political resentment to the phrase. In the 'Startup Nation' of Estonia, there is a counter-culture of 'hoodie-wearing' millionaires who specifically avoid 'nina püsti ajamine' to stay relatable.
Use with 'ära'
The most common way to use this is in the negative imperative: 'Ära aja nina püsti!' (Don't be stuck-up!)
Don't use for physical height
If someone is literally looking up at a bird, don't use this idiom. Use 'vaatab üles'.
Signification
Acting superior or stuck-up.
Use with 'ära'
The most common way to use this is in the negative imperative: 'Ära aja nina püsti!' (Don't be stuck-up!)
Don't use for physical height
If someone is literally looking up at a bird, don't use this idiom. Use 'vaatab üles'.
The 'hakkama' trick
Combine it with 'hakkama' (to start) to describe the process: 'Ta hakkas nina püsti ajama.'
Irony is key
Estonians often use this ironically to tease a friend who just did something slightly impressive.
Teste-toi
Täida lünk õige sõnaga.
Pärast lotovõitu ajas mees nina ____.
Idioom on 'nina püsti ajama'. Kuigi 'üles' ja 'kõrgele' tähendavad sarnast asja, ei ole need osa sellest väljendist.
Vali lause, kus väljendit on kasutatud õigesti.
Milline lause on õige?
Nina püsti ajamine tähendab ülbust, seega on loogiline, et inimene ei tervita enam oma sõpru.
Vali olukord, mis sobib väljendiga 'nina püsti ajama'.
Kuna sobib see väljend?
See väljend kirjeldab just sellist käitumist, kus edu (uus töö) muudab inimese arrogantseks.
Lõpeta dialoog.
A: 'Kas sa nägid, kui uhke ta täna oli?' B: 'Jah, ta ____.'
Tegusõna 'ajama' on selles idioomis kohustuslik.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Ajama' vs 'Hoidma'
Ajama (Action)
- • Just won the lottery
- • Got a promotion
- • Became famous
Hoidma (State)
- • Always been rich
- • Born into nobility
- • Naturally snobbish
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPärast lotovõitu ajas mees nina ____.
Idioom on 'nina püsti ajama'. Kuigi 'üles' ja 'kõrgele' tähendavad sarnast asja, ei ole need osa sellest väljendist.
Milline lause on õige?
Nina püsti ajamine tähendab ülbust, seega on loogiline, et inimene ei tervita enam oma sõpru.
Kuna sobib see väljend?
See väljend kirjeldab just sellist käitumist, kus edu (uus töö) muudab inimese arrogantseks.
A: 'Kas sa nägid, kui uhke ta täna oli?' B: 'Jah, ta ____.'
Tegusõna 'ajama' on selles idioomis kohustuslik.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt's critical, but not a swear word. It's like calling someone 'stuck-up' in English.
Usually only in a joke, e.g., 'Ma ei taha nina püsti ajada, aga...' (I don't want to brag, but...)
There isn't one direct idiom, but 'olema kahe jalaga maa peal' (to be with two feet on the ground) is the conceptual opposite.
In this specific idiom, 'nina' almost always stays in the nominative-looking form (which is actually the accusative/total object form here).
Expressions liées
nina püsti hoidma
similarTo be consistently arrogant.
üleolev olema
synonymTo be superior/arrogant.
nina täis tõmbama
contrastTo get very drunk.
nina toppima
similarTo be nosy.
suurt nina tegema
specialized formTo act like a big shot.
