Signification
Expressing admiration for something visual.
Contexte culturel
Estonians are often reserved with praise. If an Estonian says 'See on ilus', they usually mean it sincerely. It is not just a filler phrase. There is a deep cultural connection to the 'beauty of the wild'. Bogs, forests, and the sea are the primary subjects of this phrase. Traditional Estonian mittens and embroidery are highly valued. Using 'See on ilus' for handmade items is a sign of respect for the craft. The phrase is central to the national identity, often used to describe the sight and sound of 30,000 singers in national dress.
Add 'nii' for emphasis
Saying 'See on nii ilus' (This is so beautiful) makes you sound much more natural and enthusiastic.
Avoid 'See' for people
Remember to use 'Ta on ilus' for a person, otherwise you are calling them an 'it'.
Signification
Expressing admiration for something visual.
Add 'nii' for emphasis
Saying 'See on nii ilus' (This is so beautiful) makes you sound much more natural and enthusiastic.
Avoid 'See' for people
Remember to use 'Ta on ilus' for a person, otherwise you are calling them an 'it'.
Modesty matters
If someone says 'See on ilus' about something you own, a simple 'Aitäh' is the best response.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'This is beautiful'.
See ___ ilus.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be' used with 'See'.
Which sentence is correct when pointing at a sunset?
Choose the best option:
You need the nominative adjective 'ilus' to describe the subject.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Practice variations in tense, number, and intensity.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Vaata seda lille! B: ________.
Agreeing with an observation of beauty is a common social interaction.
Which phrase fits best for a very formal art gallery opening?
Select the best phrase:
'Kaunis' is a higher register synonym for 'ilus'.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Ilus vs. Kena vs. Kaunis
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesSee ___ ilus.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be' used with 'See'.
Choose the best option:
You need the nominative adjective 'ilus' to describe the subject.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Practice variations in tense, number, and intensity.
A: Vaata seda lille! B: ________.
Agreeing with an observation of beauty is a common social interaction.
Select the best phrase:
'Kaunis' is a higher register synonym for 'ilus'.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's very common to describe music as 'ilus'.
'Kaunis' is more formal and poetic, while 'ilus' is the everyday word.
No, Estonian has no grammatical gender. It works for everything.
Use 'See oli ilus'.
Only if you are talking about how the food looks, not how it tastes.
Yes, if you are admiring a design, a presentation slide, or an office space.
'Need on ilusad'.
'See ei ole ilus'.
It's a standard, positive compliment. For something stronger, use 'imeline'.
Yes, 'See on ilus päev' is perfect.
Expressions liées
See on kaunis
synonymThis is beautiful (more poetic/formal)
See on kena
similarThis is nice/pretty
See on imeline
builds onThis is wonderful
See on inetu
contrastThis is ugly
See on maitsekas
specialized formThis is tasteful
