Signification
Stating that something is incorrect.
Contexte culturel
Estonians value 'otsekohesus' (directness). Correcting someone with 'See on vale' is usually seen as helpful rather than rude. Estonia is a highly digital society. 'Valeinfo' (fake news) is a major topic in schools and media, making this phrase very common in public discourse. The struggle for 'tõde' (truth) against 'vale' (lies) is a central theme in Estonian national literature, specifically in the epic 'Tõde ja õigus'. While direct, Estonians also value silence. If something is 'vale', they might just look at you pointedly before saying the phrase.
Soften the blow
Add 'Ma arvan, et...' (I think that...) before the phrase to sound less aggressive.
Don't use for opinions
Never say 'See on vale' if someone says they like a movie you hate. Use 'Ma ei ole nõus' instead.
Signification
Stating that something is incorrect.
Soften the blow
Add 'Ma arvan, et...' (I think that...) before the phrase to sound less aggressive.
Don't use for opinions
Never say 'See on vale' if someone says they like a movie you hate. Use 'Ma ei ole nõus' instead.
Teste-toi
How do you say 'That is wrong' in Estonian?
Someone says 2+2=5. You say:
'Vale' means wrong/false. The other options mean good, hello, and big.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
See ____ vale.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be' (olema).
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: Tallinn on Soome pealinn (Tallinn is the capital of Finland). B: ________. Tallinn on Eesti pealinn.
Since the statement is factually incorrect, 'See on vale' is the correct response.
Match the Estonian phrase to the situation.
You are given the wrong change at a shop.
You use 'See on vale' to point out a factual error like incorrect change.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Vale'
Facts
- • Math
- • Dates
- • Names
Objects
- • Wrong key
- • Wrong door
- • Wrong number
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSomeone says 2+2=5. You say:
'Vale' means wrong/false. The other options mean good, hello, and big.
See ____ vale.
'On' is the 3rd person singular form of 'to be' (olema).
A: Tallinn on Soome pealinn (Tallinn is the capital of Finland). B: ________. Tallinn on Eesti pealinn.
Since the statement is factually incorrect, 'See on vale' is the correct response.
You are given the wrong change at a shop.
You use 'See on vale' to point out a factual error like incorrect change.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNot necessarily. In Estonia, it's a standard way to correct a fact. However, tone of voice matters!
Yes! 'See on vale inimene' means 'This is the wrong person'.
'Vale' is 'false/wrong', 'viga' is 'a mistake'. Use 'viga' if you want to be nicer.
Expressions liées
See on õige
contrastThat is correct/right.
See on viga
similarThis is a mistake.
See pole tõsi
synonymThis is not true.
Vale vastus
specialized formWrong answer.
