When you're just starting out with Estonian, at the A1 level, you're learning essential, everyday words. 'Odav' is a great example of such a word. It's practical for talking about prices when you're shopping or comparing things.
Understanding words like 'odav' helps you with basic communication. You'll use it to describe items that don't cost much. This word is fundamental for simple conversations about daily life and transactions.
When something is odav, it doesn't cost much money. It's the opposite of something expensive. You can use it to describe prices, products, or even services.
For example, if you see a shirt with a low price, you can say it's odav. Or if a store has many items at reduced prices, you might say the store is selling things odavalt (cheaply).
When something is odav in Estonian, it means it's cheap or inexpensive. You'll often hear this word when talking about prices, like a cheap shirt or a cheap flight. It's a very common and practical adjective to know.
For example, if you're shopping, you might ask, "Kas see on odav?" (Is this cheap?). Or you could say, "See raamat on väga odav!" (This book is very cheap!). It's a straightforward word that's useful in many everyday situations.
§ Estonian Word: odav
- Word
- odav
- Part of Speech
- adjective
- CEFR Level
- A1
- Definition
- Cheap
§ How to use it in a sentence
The word odav is an adjective, which means it describes a noun. Like many adjectives in Estonian, it will change its ending depending on the case, number, and agreement with the noun it describes. For A1 level, we will focus on its basic use in the nominative singular and plural, and some common partitive forms.
In its basic form, odav (cheap), it's straightforward. You can place it directly before the noun it modifies. Remember, Estonian word order is quite flexible, but placing the adjective before the noun is the most common and natural way.
See auto on odav.
- Translation Hint
- This car is cheap.
Nad müüvad odavat
- Translation Hint
- They sell cheap food.
Notice in the second example, odav becomes odavat. This is because toit (food) is in the partitive case here, often used after verbs like 'to sell' when the object is uncountable or only partially affected by the action. Adjectives in Estonian agree with the noun they modify, so odav takes the partitive ending '-at'. Don't worry too much about all the cases at A1, but recognize that this change can happen.
§ Plural Forms
When describing multiple cheap things, odav will also change. In the nominative plural, it becomes odavad.
Need on odavad
- Translation Hint
- These are cheap shoes.
For the partitive plural, things get a bit more complex. For odav, the partitive plural form is odavaid. You'll encounter this when you are talking about 'some cheap items' or when the object of the verb is in the partitive plural.
Ma näen odavaid
- Translation Hint
- I see cheap books.
§ Prepositions with 'odav'
Since odav is an adjective describing a characteristic, it typically does not directly take prepositions in the same way verbs do. Instead, the noun it modifies might be used with a postposition (Estonian uses postpositions more often than prepositions) or be in a specific case to express relationships. For example, if something is cheap for someone, you might use the allative case for the person, or a structure like 'millelegi odav' (cheap for something).
See on talle liiga odav.
- Translation Hint
- It is too cheap for him/her.
Here, 'talle' is the allative case of 'tema' (he/she), meaning 'to him/her' or 'for him/her'. You are not attaching a preposition directly to odav, but rather to the person it relates to.
Mastering these basic forms will allow you to confidently use odav in your everyday Estonian conversations and writing. Keep practicing these sentence structures!
§ Similar words and when to use 'odav' vs alternatives
When you're talking about something being inexpensive in Estonian, 'odav' is your go-to word. It directly translates to 'cheap' and is used in many situations. However, just like in English, there are nuances and other words you might hear that express similar ideas, but with slightly different implications. Let's break down 'odav' and some related terms.
The word 'odav' is a straightforward adjective. It can be used for goods, services, or even abstract concepts if they are considered to be low in cost. It doesn't carry a strong negative connotation on its own, unlike 'cheap' in English which can sometimes imply poor quality. In Estonian, if you want to imply poor quality, you'd usually add another adjective or context.
- DEFINITION
- Cheap (inexpensive)
See auto on liiga odav.
Translation hint: This car is too cheap.
Here, 'odav' simply means the car doesn't cost much. It doesn't automatically mean it's falling apart.
§ Alternatives and their uses
While 'odav' is your primary word for 'cheap', you might encounter other expressions:
- Soodne: This word translates more closely to 'favorable', 'advantageous', or 'a good deal'. It often implies that something is not just low in price, but also good value for money. It's a more positive way to describe something inexpensive.
- DEFINITION
- Favorable, a good deal, advantageous
See pakkumine on väga soodne.
Translation hint: This offer is very favorable/a very good deal.
You would use 'soodne' when you want to highlight the positive aspect of the low price, suggesting intelligence in the purchase rather than just a low cost.
- Madala hinnaga: This is a more descriptive phrase, literally meaning 'with a low price'. It's neutral and simply states the fact about the price without any additional connotations.
- DEFINITION
- With a low price
Nad müüvad tooteid madala hinnaga.
Translation hint: They sell products at a low price.
This phrase is good when you want to be very factual about the cost without adding any judgment or emphasis on value.
§ When to use 'odav'
Use 'odav' when you simply want to state that something costs little. It's the most common and versatile word for 'cheap'.
- When something is genuinely inexpensive and you want to convey that directly:
See kleit on tõesti odav.
Translation hint: This dress is really cheap.
- When comparing prices:
Kas see on odavam kui teine?
Translation hint: Is this cheaper than the other one?
- To describe a general state of being inexpensive, like a 'cheap hotel' or 'cheap tickets':
Odav hotell.
Translation hint: Cheap hotel.
In summary, 'odav' is your workhorse for 'cheap'. If you want to add a positive spin about good value, use 'soodne'. If you want to be purely factual about the price, 'madala hinnaga' works well. Keep practicing, and you'll get a feel for which word fits best in different contexts!
How Formal Is It?
"See pakkumine on väga soodne. (This offer is very advantageous.)"
"See telefon on odav. (This phone is cheap.)"
"See hind on ikka päris lahja. (This price is still quite meager/lean.)"
"Mänguasi oli hea hinnaga. (The toy was at a good price.)"
"Sain selle särgi poolmuidu kätte. (I got this shirt for next to nothing.)"
Exemples par niveau
See odav lahendus osutus tegelikult palju kallimaks pikemas perspektiivis, kui olime algselt arvanud.
This cheap solution turned out to be much more expensive in the long run than we had originally thought.
Kuigi auto oli odav, nõudis see pidevaid remonditöid, mis tühjendasid mu rahakotti kiiremini kui uus mudel seda teinuks.
Although the car was cheap, it required constant repairs that emptied my wallet faster than a new model would have.
Otsisime odavat majutust, kuid leidsime hoopis luksusliku villa soodsa hinnaga, mis ületas kõik meie ootused.
We were looking for cheap accommodation, but instead found a luxurious villa at a bargain price that exceeded all our expectations.
Valitsuse uus poliitika lubas odavat energiat kõigile kodanikele, kuid tegelikkuses tõusid hinnad veelgi.
The government's new policy promised cheap energy for all citizens, but in reality, prices rose even further.
Ära lase end petta odavatest pakkumistest; sageli peidavad need endas varjatud kulusid ja halba kvaliteeti.
Don't be fooled by cheap offers; they often hide hidden costs and poor quality.
See odav toode ei vasta Euroopa Liidu ohutusstandarditele ja tuleks koheselt turult eemaldada.
This cheap product does not meet European Union safety standards and should be immediately removed from the market.
Minu vanaema ütles alati, et odavat liha ei ole mõtet osta, sest see ei ole kunagi hea ega toitev.
My grandmother always said there's no point in buying cheap meat because it's never good or nutritious.
Kuigi esmapilgul tundus see odav lennupilet suurepärane diil, osutusid lisatasud pagasi ja istekoha eest üüratuteks.
Although at first glance this cheap flight ticket seemed like a great deal, the extra charges for luggage and seating turned out to be exorbitant.
Expressions idiomatiques
"odav lõbu"
cheap thrill
See oli odav lõbu. (It was a cheap thrill.)
neutral"odav lahendus"
cheap solution
See on odav lahendus probleemile. (This is a cheap solution to the problem.)
neutral"odav hind"
cheap price
Nad müüvad odava hinnaga. (They sell at a cheap price.)
neutral"odavalt pääsema"
to get off cheaply, to get away with something easily
Ta pääses odavalt. (He got off cheaply.)
neutral"odav kaup"
cheap goods
See on odav kaup, aga hea kvaliteediga. (This is cheap goods, but good quality.)
neutral"liiga odav"
too cheap
See auto on liiga odav. (This car is too cheap.)
neutral"odav ja hea"
cheap and good
Otsime midagi, mis on odav ja hea. (We are looking for something that is cheap and good.)
neutral"odava raha eest"
for a small amount of money, for peanuts
Ta ostis selle odava raha eest. (He bought it for a small amount of money.)
informal"odav koopia"
cheap copy
See on ainult odav koopia. (This is just a cheap copy.)
neutral"odavalt läbi saama"
to get by cheaply, to manage with little expense
Püüame odavalt läbi saada. (We try to get by cheaply.)
neutralAstuces
Basic use of 'odav'
Remember, 'odav' means cheap. It's a very common adjective. You'll hear it a lot when shopping or talking about prices.
Opposite of 'odav'
The opposite of 'odav' (cheap) is 'kallis' (expensive). Learning pairs like this helps cement vocabulary.
When something is 'odav'
You can use 'odav' to describe anything that costs little money. For example, 'See raamat on odav' means 'This book is cheap'.
About price
When talking about price, you can say 'hind on odav' (the price is cheap / low). This is common usage.
Comparing prices
To say 'cheaper', you use 'odavam'. For example, 'See on odavam' means 'This is cheaper'.
Superlative form
The superlative form is 'kõige odavam' (the cheapest). Practice saying 'See on kõige odavam' (This is the cheapest).
Thinking of 'affordable'
Sometimes 'odav' can also imply 'affordable', depending on the context. If something is cheap enough for someone to buy it, it's affordable.
Don't confuse 'odav' with 'discount'
'Odav' is about the price itself being low. A 'discount' (allahindlus) is a temporary reduction. They are related but not the same.
Value in Estonia
Estonians appreciate good value. If something is 'odav ja hea' (cheap and good), it's highly regarded.
Practice in sentences
Try to use 'odav' in at least three simple sentences today. For example, 'Kas see on odav?' (Is this cheap?)
Teste-toi 48 questions
See auto on liiga ___. Ma ei saa seda osta. (This car is too ___. I cannot buy it.)
The sentence implies the car is unaffordable, so 'expensive' (kallis) is the correct fit, meaning the opposite of 'odav' (cheap).
Ma leidsin täna poest väga ___ raamatu. (I found a very ___ book in the store today.)
The context suggests a positive find, and 'odav' (cheap) fits the idea of a good deal.
Nad pakuvad ___ teenuseid, aga kvaliteet pole hea. (They offer ___ services, but the quality is not good.)
The sentence implies a trade-off between cost and quality, so 'cheap' (odavaid) services fit the description.
Kas sa tead, kust saab ___ lennupileteid? (Do you know where to get ___ plane tickets?)
People usually look for 'cheap' (odavaid) plane tickets to save money.
See restoran pakub väga ___ lõunasööki. (This restaurant offers a very ___ lunch.)
The word 'odavat' (cheap) suggests a good value for lunch.
Ma otsin ___ korterit kesklinnas. (I am looking for a ___ apartment in the city center.)
In a city center, 'cheap' (odavat) apartments are often sought after due to usually high prices.
Choose the word that means 'cheap'.
'Odav' means cheap, 'kallis' means expensive, 'suur' means big, and 'väike' means small.
Which sentence correctly uses 'odav'?
'See raamat on odav' means 'This book is cheap'. The other sentences do not use 'odav' correctly or meaningfully.
What is the opposite of 'odav'?
'Kallis' means expensive, which is the opposite of 'odav' (cheap). 'Vana' means old, 'uus' means new, and 'kiire' means fast.
The word 'odav' describes something that costs a lot of money.
'Odav' means cheap, so it describes something that does not cost a lot of money.
If something is 'odav', it means it's expensive.
No, 'odav' means cheap, not expensive.
You can use 'odav' to describe a good deal.
Yes, if something is cheap, it often means it's a good deal.
Write a short sentence describing something you bought that was cheap.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ma ostsin odava raamatu. (I bought a cheap book.)
Imagine you are in a shop. Write a sentence asking if a particular item is cheap.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Kas see kott on odav? (Is this bag cheap?)
Write a sentence comparing two items, stating one is cheaper than the other.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
See särk on odavam kui see pluus. (This shirt is cheaper than that blouse.)
Miks inimene armastab turgu?
Read this passage:
Turg on koht, kus saab osta toitu ja muid asju. Sageli on turul hinnad odavad ja kaup värske. Ma armastan turgu, sest seal on alati midagi uut leida.
Miks inimene armastab turgu?
The passage states 'Ma armastan turgu, sest seal on alati midagi uut leida.' (I love the market because there is always something new to find there.)
The passage states 'Ma armastan turgu, sest seal on alati midagi uut leida.' (I love the market because there is always something new to find there.)
Miks inimene ei ostnud esimesest poest kingi?
Read this passage:
Eile käisin ma poes ja nägin väga ilusaid kingi. Hind oli aga väga kõrge. Ma otsustasin, et ostan endale odavamad kingad teisest poest.
Miks inimene ei ostnud esimesest poest kingi?
The passage says 'Hind oli aga väga kõrge.' (The price was very high.), implying they were too expensive.
The passage says 'Hind oli aga väga kõrge.' (The price was very high.), implying they were too expensive.
Mida inimene teeb, et rohkem reisida?
Read this passage:
Mulle meeldivad reisid, mis ei ole väga kallid. Püüan alati leida odavaid lennupileteid ja majutust. Nii saan rohkem reisida ja uusi kohti näha.
Mida inimene teeb, et rohkem reisida?
The passage states 'Püüan alati leida odavaid lennupileteid ja majutust.' (I always try to find cheap plane tickets and accommodation.)
The passage states 'Püüan alati leida odavaid lennupileteid ja majutust.' (I always try to find cheap plane tickets and accommodation.)
Imagine you are shopping in Estonia and find a really good deal. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing what you found and why you think it's a bargain. Use the word 'odav' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ma leidsin täna poest väga odava kleidi. See maksis ainult kümme eurot! Ma arvan, et see on tõeline sooduspakkumine, sest materjal on väga hea kvaliteediga. Kindlasti ostan selle ära.
You are comparing prices for two similar items online. Write an email to a friend explaining which one you think is a better deal and why, using 'odav' and justifying your choice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tere sõber! Ma vaatasin täna kahte telefoni ja üks neist on tunduvalt odavam. See odavam telefon pakub sarnaseid funktsioone, aga maksab poole vähem. Ma arvan, et see on palju parem pakkumine ja kaalun selle ostmist.
You are planning a budget trip to Estonia. Write a short journal entry about how you plan to find 'odav' accommodation and food.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Minu eesmärk on leida Eestis võimalikult odav majutus, et säästa raha tegevusteks. Ma plaanin süüa kohalikes supermarketites ja turul, et leida odav toit. Ma loodan, et suudan oma reisi eelarve piires hoida.
Miks oli Kaisa rõõmus?
Read this passage:
Kaisa otsis internetist uusi jalanõusid. Ta leidis ühe paari, mis oli väga ilus, kuid kahjuks ka väga kallis. Edasi otsides leidis ta teise paari, mis oli sarnane, aga palju odavam. Kaisa oli rõõmus, sest ta leidis just selle, mida vajas, ja hea hinnaga.
Miks oli Kaisa rõõmus?
Kaisa oli rõõmus, sest ta leidis sarnase paari jalanõusid, mis oli palju odavam, st hea hinnaga.
Kaisa oli rõõmus, sest ta leidis sarnase paari jalanõusid, mis oli palju odavam, st hea hinnaga.
Mis teeb Tallinna heaks sihtkohaks väikese eelarvega reisijatele?
Read this passage:
Tallinnas on palju turismiobjekte, mis on tasuta või väga odavad. Näiteks vanalinnas jalutamine ei maksa midagi ja pakub ilusat vaatepilti. Paljud muuseumid pakuvad sooduspileteid õpilastele või vanuritele. See teeb Tallinna heaks sihtkohaks neile, kes soovivad reisida väikese eelarvega.
Mis teeb Tallinna heaks sihtkohaks väikese eelarvega reisijatele?
Tekstis on mainitud, et paljud muuseumid pakuvad sooduspileteid õpilastele või vanuritele, mis aitab väikese eelarvega reisijatel raha säästa.
Tekstis on mainitud, et paljud muuseumid pakuvad sooduspileteid õpilastele või vanuritele, mis aitab väikese eelarvega reisijatel raha säästa.
Miks otsustas Jüri odava sülearvuti osta?
Read this passage:
Jüri otsis uut sülearvutit. Ta võrdles erinevate poodide pakkumisi ja leidis lõpuks ühe, mis oli eriti odav. Kuigi see sülearvuti polnud kõige uuema mudeliga, oli selle hind Jüril väga meeltmööda. Ta otsustas selle ära osta, sest ta arvas, et see on hinna ja kvaliteedi suhte poolest parim valik.
Miks otsustas Jüri odava sülearvuti osta?
Jüri otsustas sülearvuti osta, sest ta arvas, et see on hinna ja kvaliteedi suhte poolest parim valik, isegi kui see polnud kõige uuema mudeliga.
Jüri otsustas sülearvuti osta, sest ta arvas, et see on hinna ja kvaliteedi suhte poolest parim valik, isegi kui see polnud kõige uuema mudeliga.
Which of these words is a synonym for 'odav'?
'Soodne' means 'affordable' or 'favorable', which is close in meaning to 'cheap' without the negative connotation.
In which sentence is 'odav' used correctly?
This sentence correctly uses 'odav' to describe a price, and the overall statement is logically sound.
If something is 'liiga odav', what might be the implication?
In many cultures, including Estonian, 'too cheap' often implies a potential lack of quality or a hidden flaw.
A product described as 'odav' is always of bad quality.
While 'odav' can sometimes imply lower quality, it's not always the case. Some items can be cheap and good.
The word 'odav' can be used to describe both objects and services.
Yes, you can say 'odav teenus' (cheap service) or 'odav kaup' (cheap goods).
If you want to say something is 'inexpensive' but not necessarily 'cheap' in a negative sense, 'odav' is always the best choice.
While 'odav' can mean inexpensive, 'soodne' or 'taskukohane' might be better choices to avoid the potential negative connotation of low quality.
Listen for the adjective 'odav' and understand the context about a cheap blouse with poor material.
Listen for 'odavad' in relation to something found at the market.
Listen for the word 'odav' and connect it to something that wore out quickly.
Read this aloud:
See telefon on üllatavalt odav, arvestades selle funktsioone.
Focus: o-dav, ül-la-ta-valt
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Kas sa tead, kust saab Tallinnas odavat kohvi?
Focus: kus-saab, ko-hv
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Odav hind ei tähenda alati halba kvaliteeti.
Focus: o-dav, hin-d, kva-li-tee-ti
Tu as dit :
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Ehkki majanduslangus sundis paljusid ettevõtteid hindu tõstma, on meie tooted endiselt ______.
Context implies a contrast with rising prices, so 'odavad' (cheap) fits the meaning.
Kuigi kvaliteet on kõrge, püüame pakkuda alati _____ lahendusi, et kõik saaksid neid endale lubada.
The phrase 'et kõik saaksid neid endale lubada' (so everyone can afford them) indicates that the solutions should be 'odavaid' (cheap).
Arvestades tooraine hinna tõusu, on üsna uskumatu, et nad suudavad pakkuda nii _____ tooteid.
The contrast with 'tooraine hinna tõusu' (rise in raw material prices) suggests that the products are surprisingly 'odavaid' (cheap).
Tema ______ riided ei tähendanud, et ta oleks vaene, vaid pigem säästlik ja praktiline inimene.
The sentence implies that despite the appearance, the person is not poor but rather frugal, meaning their clothes are 'odavad' (cheap).
Kuigi paljud arvavad, et kvaliteet ja ______ hind on vastandid, on meie eesmärk tõestada vastupidist.
The sentence sets up a contrast between quality and a certain price, implying that 'odav' (cheap) price is often seen as being against quality.
Mõnikord on parem investeerida natuke rohkem, kui osta liiga _____ asi, mis laguneb kiiresti.
The advice is to avoid buying something 'odav' (cheap) if it's going to break quickly, suggesting a trade-off between price and durability.
Which of the following best describes something that is 'odav' in a highly competitive market?
While 'odav' means cheap, in a C2 context of a competitive market, it often implies a strategic pricing decision rather than just low quality. Mass production can drive down costs, leading to a cheap price without necessarily compromising on quality.
In a philosophical discussion about intrinsic value, if something is deemed 'odav', what deeper implication might that carry?
At a C2 level, 'odav' can extend beyond monetary cost to intrinsic value. If something is cheap, it often implies it's readily available and not unique, thus making it less valued or easily replaced.
Which scenario best exemplifies a metaphorical use of 'odav' in a critical assessment of an idea or argument?
Metaphorically, an 'odav' idea or argument is one that is shallow, poorly constructed, and lacks substance, making it easy to refute or disregard. It's 'cheap' in terms of intellectual rigor.
If a government introduces 'odav' housing schemes, it primarily aims to provide luxury accommodations for the wealthy.
Government 'odav' (cheap/affordable) housing schemes are typically designed to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals or families, not luxury accommodations for the wealthy. The core meaning of 'odav' contradicts the idea of luxury.
Describing a political slogan as 'odav' implies it is profound and deeply thought-provoking.
To describe a political slogan as 'odav' implies it is simplistic, superficial, and possibly manipulative, rather than profound or deeply thought-provoking. It suggests a lack of intellectual substance.
In the context of art criticism, an 'odav' aesthetic often refers to a style that is avant-garde and highly innovative.
In art criticism, an 'odav' aesthetic (cheap aesthetic) typically refers to something that is tacky, unsophisticated, or lacking artistic merit, rather than avant-garde or innovative. It implies a lack of quality or refinement.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'odav'
Remember, 'odav' means cheap. It's a very common adjective. You'll hear it a lot when shopping or talking about prices.
Opposite of 'odav'
The opposite of 'odav' (cheap) is 'kallis' (expensive). Learning pairs like this helps cement vocabulary.
When something is 'odav'
You can use 'odav' to describe anything that costs little money. For example, 'See raamat on odav' means 'This book is cheap'.
About price
When talking about price, you can say 'hind on odav' (the price is cheap / low). This is common usage.
