A1 Expression 중립

Pole viga.

It is okay.

Used to say that something is alright.

🌍

문화적 배경

Estonians are known for 'litotes'—affirming something by negating its opposite. Saying 'not bad' is often a high compliment. The Finnish equivalent 'Ei se mitään' or 'Ei vikaa' is used similarly, reflecting a shared Nordic/Baltic stoicism. In Estonian tech companies (like Skype or Bolt), 'Pole viga' is often used in code reviews to mean the logic is sound and ready for production. In the countryside, this phrase is used to describe everything from the health of livestock to the weather. It's a sign of resilience.

🎯

The 'Estonian Shrug'

When saying 'Pole viga', a slight, almost imperceptible shrug makes you look 100% more like a local.

⚠️

Don't over-enthuse

If you say 'POLE VIGA!!!' with too much energy, it sounds sarcastic. Keep your tone flat and neutral.

Used to say that something is alright.

🎯

The 'Estonian Shrug'

When saying 'Pole viga', a slight, almost imperceptible shrug makes you look 100% more like a local.

⚠️

Don't over-enthuse

If you say 'POLE VIGA!!!' with too much energy, it sounds sarcastic. Keep your tone flat and neutral.

💬

The 'Täitsa' boost

If you really like something but want to stay Estonian, say 'Täitsa pole viga'. The 'täitsa' (quite/completely) adds a layer of genuine approval.

셀프 테스트

Complete the dialogue with the most natural Estonian response.

A: Kuidas su uus töökoht meeldib? B: __________, kolleegid on toredad.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pole viga

The second part of the sentence ('colleagues are nice') suggests a positive/neutral outlook, making 'Pole viga' the perfect fit.

Match the situation to the correct use of 'Pole viga'.

Someone accidentally bumps into you in the supermarket.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: You say: Pole viga!

'Pole viga' is the standard way to accept a minor apology.

Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.

See film ______ viga, aga raamat oli parem.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: pole

The phrase is 'pole viga'. 'On viga' would mean 'there is a mistake'.

Which sentence is the most 'Estonian' way to say you are doing okay?

How are you?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pole viga.

Estonians prefer modest understatements like 'Pole viga' over 'Fantastiline'.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

When to use 'Pole viga'

👋

Greetings

  • Kuidas läheb?
  • Kuidas elad?
  • Mis uudist?
🤔

Opinions

  • Toit
  • Film
  • Uus auto
🙇

Apologies

  • Vabandust!
  • Andestust!
  • Oih!

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Complete the dialogue with the most natural Estonian response. dialogue_completion A1

A: Kuidas su uus töökoht meeldib? B: __________, kolleegid on toredad.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pole viga

The second part of the sentence ('colleagues are nice') suggests a positive/neutral outlook, making 'Pole viga' the perfect fit.

Match the situation to the correct use of 'Pole viga'. situation_matching A1

Someone accidentally bumps into you in the supermarket.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: You say: Pole viga!

'Pole viga' is the standard way to accept a minor apology.

Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase. Fill Blank A2

See film ______ viga, aga raamat oli parem.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: pole

The phrase is 'pole viga'. 'On viga' would mean 'there is a mistake'.

Which sentence is the most 'Estonian' way to say you are doing okay? Choose A1

How are you?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Pole viga.

Estonians prefer modest understatements like 'Pole viga' over 'Fantastiline'.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not at all! It is a standard, polite response. However, if you use it for something truly amazing, it might seem like you are under-appreciating it.

Yes, you can say 'Tal pole viga' to mean 'He/She is okay' or 'He/She is not a bad person'.

'Hästi' means 'Well/Good'. 'Pole viga' is more modest. Estonians use 'Pole viga' more often than 'Hästi' in casual conversation.

Yes, in emails, texts, and fiction. It's less common in formal academic writing.

Yes, 'Ei ole viga' is the uncontracted, slightly more formal version. Both are correct.

Literally, yes. But 99% of the time it's used as the idiom 'Not bad'.

Use the past tense: 'Polnud viga'.

No, it's a standard idiom used by all age groups.

Absolutely. It's the most common answer for a typical workday.

You could say 'Väga hea' or 'Suurepärane', but even then, many Estonians stick to 'Täitsa pole viga'.

관련 표현

🔗

Pole hullu

similar

No big deal / No worries

🔗

Käib kah

similar

It'll do / It's okay-ish

🔄

Pole paha

synonym

Not bad

🔗

Viga saama

builds on

To get hurt

🔗

Pole tänu väärt

specialized form

You're welcome

도움이 되었나요?
아직 댓글이 없습니다. 첫 번째로 생각을 공유하세요!