Welcome back! Today, we're looking at a fundamental Estonian verb: avama. It means 'to open', and it's something you'll use constantly. Let's break it down.
§ Basic Meaning
- Estonian Word
- avama
- Definition
- To open
- Word Class
- Verb
- CEFR Level
- A1
§ Examples in Use
Ma avan
- Translation Hint
- I open the door.
Palun avage
- Translation Hint
- Please open the window. (Formal/Plural)
Millal pood avatakse?
- Translation Hint
- When is the shop opened? / When does the shop open? (Passive)
§ Common Uses of Avama
Avama is used for physical objects like doors, windows, books, or bottles. It also extends to opening businesses, bank accounts, or even discussions.
- Doors and Windows: This is the most common and literal use.
- Containers: Think 'opening a bottle' (avama pudeli), 'opening a box' (avama karbi).
- Starting something: You can avama a new business (äri avama), a bank account (pangakonto avama), or a conversation (vestlust avama).
- Events/Seasons: The opening of a festival (festivali avamine) or the opening of swimming season (ujumishooaja avamine).
§ Similar Words and Alternatives
While avama is your go-to for 'to open', there are some related terms and concepts to be aware of, even at A1 level, to avoid confusion.
- Alustama (to start/begin): Sometimes, 'to open' an event or process can overlap with 'to start'. However, alustama focuses more on the initiation of an action or task, while avama often implies making something accessible or officially inaugurating it.
Me alustame
- Translation Hint
- We start work at nine.
Here, 'start' is more natural than 'open'.
- Lahkuma (to leave/depart): This isn't a direct alternative, but sometimes when a place 'opens', people might 'leave' another. No direct overlap in meaning, but important to distinguish.
- Kättesaadavaks tegema (to make available): This phrase captures the essence of 'opening' something up for use or access, but it's more descriptive and less common than the single verb avama for everyday use.
§ When to Use Avama
Always use avama when you are referring to:
- The physical act of making something no longer closed (doors, windows, books).
- The initiation of a service or establishment (a shop, a bank account).
- The beginning of a formal event or discussion.
The key is that something was previously closed, shut, or inaccessible, and now it is becoming accessible. Keep practicing these examples, and you'll master avama in no time. Head to the next section for more practice!
수준별 예문
Ta avas ukse, mis viis otse südamesse unustatud mälestuste labürindile.
He opened the door that led directly to the labyrinth of forgotten memories in the heart.
Here, 'südamesse' (into the heart) is used metaphorically to refer to a deeply personal and emotional place, rather than a physical location. 'Unustatud mälestuste labürindile' (to the labyrinth of forgotten memories) uses the allative case for 'labürindile' to indicate the destination or direction.
Öö avas oma tumeda rüü üle linna, neelates endasse viimasedki päevavalguse riismed.
Night opened its dark robe over the city, swallowing even the last remnants of daylight.
'Öö avas oma tumeda rüü' (night opened its dark robe) is a personification, where 'rüü' (robe) is used metaphorically to describe the darkness spreading. 'Neelates endasse' (swallowing into itself) is a gerund construction, indicating a simultaneous action.
Alles pärast pikka eneserefleksiooni suutis ta avada oma meele uutele ideedele, mis varem tundusid kättesaamatud.
Only after long self-reflection was he able to open his mind to new ideas that previously seemed unattainable.
'Avada oma meele uutele ideedele' (to open one's mind to new ideas) uses the allative case for 'ideedele' to express the recipient of the opening. 'Kättesaamatud' (unattainable) is in the plural nominative case, agreeing with 'ideed' (ideas).
See sündmus avas silmad paljudele, näidates neile ühiskonna varjatud tahke, millest nad varem polnud teadlikud.
This event opened the eyes of many, showing them the hidden aspects of society they were not aware of before.
'See sündmus avas silmad paljudele' (this event opened the eyes to many) uses the allative case for 'paljudele' (to many) to indicate the beneficiaries of the action. 'Varjatud tahke' (hidden aspects) is in the partitive plural, object of 'näitama' (to show).
Pikk ja põhjalik uurimine avas harukordseid teadmisi iidse tsivilisatsiooni kadunud kunstist ja filosoofiast.
A long and thorough investigation opened up rare knowledge about the lost art and philosophy of an ancient civilization.
'Avas harukordseid teadmisi' (opened up rare knowledge) uses 'teadmisi' (knowledge) in the partitive plural. 'Iidse tsivilisatsiooni kadunud kunstist ja filosoofiast' (about the lost art and philosophy of an ancient civilization) uses the elative case for 'kunstist' and 'filosoofiast' to indicate the source or topic.
Vanaema jutud avasid minu ees terve maailma, täis haldjaid, kangelasi ja müütilisi olendeid, kes elasid vaid tema mälestustes.
Grandma's stories opened a whole world before me, full of fairies, heroes, and mythical creatures who lived only in her memories.
'Avasid minu ees terve maailma' (opened a whole world before me) uses 'ees' (in front of/before) to indicate the spatial relationship. 'Täis haldjaid, kangelasi ja müütilisi olendeid' (full of fairies, heroes, and mythical creatures) uses the partitive plural for the objects. 'Kes elasid vaid tema mälestustes' (who lived only in her memories) uses the inessive case for 'mälestustes' to indicate location.
Poliitiline kriis avas ukse ootamatutele liitudele ja strateegilistele partnerlustele, mis muutisid jõudude tasakaalu piirkonnas.
The political crisis opened the door to unexpected alliances and strategic partnerships that changed the balance of power in the region.
'Avas ukse ootamatutele liitudele ja strateegilistele partnerlustele' (opened the door to unexpected alliances and strategic partnerships) uses the allative case for 'liitudele' and 'partnerlustele' to indicate the beneficiaries or recipients. 'Mis muutisid jõudude tasakaalu' (which changed the balance of power) uses the genitive plural 'jõudude' for 'power' (forces) and the partitive singular 'tasakaalu' for 'balance'.
Peale pikka piinamist ja ülekuulamist avas vang viimaks oma suu ja rääkis kõik saladused, mida ta nii kaua oli varjanud.
After long torture and interrogation, the prisoner finally opened his mouth and told all the secrets he had hidden for so long.
'Peale pikka piinamist ja ülekuulamist' (after long torture and interrogation) uses the elative case for 'piinamist' and 'ülekuulamist' after 'peale'. 'Avas vang viimaks oma suu' (the prisoner finally opened his mouth) uses 'oma suu' (his/her own mouth) for emphasis. 'Kõik saladused, mida ta nii kaua oli varjanud' (all the secrets that he had hidden for so long) uses the partitive plural for 'saladused'.
자주 혼동되는 단어
'Avama' is transitive, meaning 'to open something' (e.g., 'Ma avan ukse' - I open the door). 'Avanema' is intransitive, meaning 'to open itself' or 'to become open' (e.g., 'Uks avaneb' - The door opens).
'Avama' is a single verb for 'to open'. 'Lahti tegema' is a phrasal verb meaning 'to make open', often used interchangeably with 'avama' but can sometimes imply a more active or forceful opening. 'Lahti' means 'open' as an adverb.
While both can be translated as 'to open' in some contexts, 'avama' refers to physically opening something or initiating an event/discussion. 'Alustama' specifically means 'to start' or 'to begin' an action or process.
문법 패턴
관용어 및 표현
"silmad lahti tegema"
To open one's eyes (to a new reality/realisation)
See reis pani mind silmad lahti tegema maailma mitmekesisuse suhtes. (This trip made me open my eyes to the diversity of the world.)
neutral"uksi avama"
To open doors (create opportunities)
Hea haridus aitab uksi avada tulevikus. (A good education helps open doors in the future.)
neutral"südant avama"
To open one's heart (to confide, to be vulnerable)
Ta avas mulle oma südame ja rääkis kõigist oma muredest. (He opened his heart to me and told me all his worries.)
neutral"mõistust avama"
To open one's mind (to new ideas)
Proovi oma mõistust avada uutele ideedele. (Try to open your mind to new ideas.)
neutral"suud avama"
To open one's mouth (to speak, often with difficulty or reluctance)
Ta kartis oma suud avada, et mitte kedagi solvata. (He was afraid to open his mouth so as not to offend anyone.)
neutral"kaardid avama"
To open one's cards (to reveal intentions or secrets)
On aeg kaardid avada ja tõde rääkida. (It's time to open your cards and tell the truth.)
neutral"teed avama"
To open the way (to pave the way, to make possible)
See otsus avas uue tee innovatsioonile. (This decision opened a new way for innovation.)
neutral"hooaega avama"
To open the season (to start a new season of an event/activity)
Kontsert avab meie uue teatrihooaja. (The concert opens our new theater season.)
neutral"arvet avama"
To open an account (financial)
Pank pakub lihtsaid viise arvet avada. (The bank offers easy ways to open an account.)
formal"silmapiiri avardama"
To broaden one's horizons (lit. to open the horizon)
Reisimine aitab silmapiiri avardada. (Traveling helps broaden one's horizons.)
neutral혼동하기 쉬운
Often confused with 'minema' (to go) or 'ärkama' (to wake up) due to its meaning related to upward movement or starting.
'Tõusma' specifically means to rise, ascend, or get up (from a seated or lying position).
Päike tõuseb idast. (The sun rises from the east.)
Can be confused with 'asetama' (to place) or 'kinnitama' (to fasten) because it's a very general verb for putting things somewhere.
'Panema' is a versatile verb meaning to put, place, or set. It's more general than 'asetama' which implies more careful placement.
Pane raamat lauale. (Put the book on the table.)
Frequently confused with 'olema' (to be) or 'tegema' (to do) because it has multiple meanings including 'to get', 'to become', and 'can/may'.
'Saama' means to get, receive, obtain, or become. It also functions as an auxiliary verb for 'can' or 'may'.
Ma saan uue töö. (I am getting a new job.) / Ma saan seda teha. (I can do it.)
Similar to 'tooma' (to bring) or 'kandma' (to carry) as both involve moving something, but the direction is different.
'Viima' means to take something somewhere, indicating movement away from the speaker, whereas 'tooma' means to bring (movement towards the speaker).
Ma viin prügi välja. (I am taking the rubbish out.)
Often mistaken for 'minema' (to go) or 'jalutama' (to walk) because it describes movement, but it has a broader sense.
'Käima' means to walk, go (regularly or repeatedly), or to function/work (for a machine). It implies a more general or habitual movement than 'minema'.
Ma käin koolis. (I go to school [regularly].) / Kell käib. (The clock is working.)
문장 패턴
Subject (nominative) + avama (conjugated) + Object (partitive)
Ma avan ukse.
Imperative form of avama + Object (partitive)
Ava aken!
Subject (nominative) + avama (conjugated) + Object (genitive)
Ta avab raamatu.
Subject (nominative) + avama (conjugated) + Object (partitive) + Time expression
Me avame poe kell üheksa.
Subject (nominative) + avama (past tense) + Object (partitive)
Nad avasid uue kohviku.
Kuidas ma avan selle?
How do I open this?
Kas sa saad avada pudeli?
Can you open the bottle?
Uks on avatud.
The door is open.
어휘 가족
명사
형용사
사용법
When talking about opening a physical object like a door or a window, or even a book, you'll use 'avama'. It's also used for opening an event, like a meeting or a festival. For example, Ma avan ukse (I open the door) or President avab festivali (The president opens the festival).
A common mistake is confusing 'avama' with verbs like 'käivitama' (to start, to activate something electronic or mechanical) or 'põhjustama' (to cause). Remember, 'avama' is specifically about making something accessible or starting an event. You wouldn't say Ma avan arvuti (I open the computer) if you mean turning it on; instead you'd say Ma käivitan arvuti (I start the computer).
팁
Basic usage of 'avama'
The most common use of 'avama' is to open something physical, like a door or a window.
Common objects to open
'avama' is used for many things you open: uks (door), aken (window), pudel (bottle), raamat (book).
'Avama' with abstract concepts
You can also use 'avama' for abstract things, like to open a bank account (pangakonto avama) or to open a discussion (diskussiooni avama).
Verb conjugation reminder
Remember that Estonian verbs conjugate. 'avama' is the infinitive. For 'I open', it's 'avan'. For 'he/she opens', it's 'avab'.
Past tense of 'avama'
The past tense of 'avama' (to open) is 'avasin' (I opened) or 'avas' (he/she opened).
Don't confuse with 'käivitama'
While 'avama' means to open, don't use it for starting an engine or a computer program. For those, use 'käivitama' (to start/launch).
Related noun: 'ava'
The noun 'ava' means an opening or a hole. It comes from the same root as 'avama'.
Practice with sentences
Try making simple sentences: 'Ma avan ukse.' (I open the door.) 'Ta avab raamatu.' (He/She opens the book.)
Opposite: 'sulsema'
The opposite of 'avama' (to open) is 'sulsema' (to close). Learning opposites helps build vocabulary faster.
'Avama' in figurative expressions
Estonians might say 'silmad avama' (to open one's eyes), meaning to realize something, similar to English.
셀프 테스트 36 질문
Which word means 'to open'?
'Avama' means 'to open'. 'Sulama' means 'to melt', 'kirjutama' means 'to write', and 'lugema' means 'to read'.
Choose the correct sentence: 'I open the book.'
'Ma avan raamatu' correctly translates to 'I open the book'. 'Sulgen' means 'close', 'loen' means 'read', and 'kirjutan' means 'write'.
What is the correct form of 'avama' in the sentence 'They ___ the new shop'?
For 'nad' (they), the present tense form of 'avama' is 'avavad'.
'Avama' can be used for opening a present.
Yes, 'avama' can be used for various things including opening doors, windows, books, and presents.
The word 'avama' is only used for physical objects.
While commonly used for physical objects, 'avama' can also be used in a more abstract sense, like 'avama silmi' (to open one's eyes/to realize something).
In the sentence 'Ma avan ukse', 'ukse' is in the nominative case.
In 'Ma avan ukse' (I open the door), 'ukse' is in the partitive case, which is often used as the object of a verb when the action is not fully completed or the object is not a definite whole.
Imagine you are at a new café. Write three sentences describing what you would like to open there. Use 'avama' in each sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ma tahaksin menüü avama. Palun, kas sa saad akna avada? Ma pean ukse avama, et välja minna.
Write a short email to a friend inviting them to a housewarming party. Mention how you plan to 'open' a bottle of wine or champagne to celebrate.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tere sõber! Oled oodatud minu majapeole laupäeval. Plaanin avama pudeli veini või šampanjat, et tähistada. Näeme seal!
Describe a common situation where someone might 'open' a new chapter in their life. Use at least two sentences with 'avama' in different contexts.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Pärast ülikooli lõpetamist avavad paljud noored inimesed uue peatüki oma elus. Nad võivad avama uue ettevõtte või kolida uude linna.
Miks oli purgi avamine raske?
Read this passage:
Eile õhtul proovisin ma avama seda vana purki, aga see oli liiga kõvasti kinni. Lõpuks pidin ma paluma naabrit, et ta aitaks mul selle avama. Pärast purgi avamist leidsin ma sealt vana fotoalbumi.
Miks oli purgi avamine raske?
Tekstis on öeldud, et purk oli 'liiga kõvasti kinni'.
Tekstis on öeldud, et purk oli 'liiga kõvasti kinni'.
Mida pakutakse uue raamatukogu avamisel?
Read this passage:
Homme hommikul kell üheksa avatakse uus raamatukogu linnakeskuses. Oodatud on kõik huvilised. Raamatukogu direktor lubas avama piduliku tseremooniaga ja pakkuda tasuta kohvi kõigile külastajatele.
Mida pakutakse uue raamatukogu avamisel?
Tekstis on mainitud, et pakutakse 'tasuta kohvi kõigile külastajatele'.
Tekstis on mainitud, et pakutakse 'tasuta kohvi kõigile külastajatele'.
Miks plaanib sõber pagariäri avama?
Read this passage:
Minu sõber plaanib avama omaenda pagariäri. Ta on aastaid unistanud sellest ja nüüd on tal lõpuks piisavalt raha ja kogemusi. Ta loodab, et pagariäri avamine toob talle palju rõõmu ja edukust.
Miks plaanib sõber pagariäri avama?
Tekstis on kirjas, et sõber 'on aastaid unistanud sellest ja nüüd on tal lõpuks piisavalt raha ja kogemusi'.
Tekstis on kirjas, et sõber 'on aastaid unistanud sellest ja nüüd on tal lõpuks piisavalt raha ja kogemusi'.
Pärast pikka koosolekut tundsin vajadust uue teema ___ arutelu.
Here, 'avada' is the correct form, meaning 'to open' in the context of initiating a new topic for discussion. It's the short infinitive form required after 'vajadust' (the need).
Kuigi ilm oli jahe, otsustas ta rõduakna ___ värske õhu saamiseks.
'Avada' is used here as the infinitive form 'to open' which follows verbs expressing decision or intention, such as 'otsustas' (decided).
Olen unistanud oma kohviku ___ juba aastaid, nüüd on see hetk käes.
'Avamisest' (from 'avamis-' in elative case) is the correct form, meaning 'of opening' or 'about opening'. It is used here as the object of 'unistanud' (have dreamed of).
Pärast põhjalikku ettevalmistust on aeg uue näituse uksed ___.
'Avada' is the correct infinitive form of 'to open', following the phrase 'on aeg' (it is time to).
Kogu linna ootused olid suunatud sellele, et uus kultuurikeskus peagi oma uksed ___.
'Avaks' is the conditional form of 'avama', meaning 'would open'. This implies a desired or expected action, fitting the context of 'ootused olid suunatud' (expectations were directed).
Kuigi ettevõte oli kriisis, leiti siiski võimalus uusi turge ___.
'Avada' is the infinitive 'to open', which correctly follows 'võimalus' (opportunity) in this sentence, meaning 'an opportunity to open'.
Imagine you are applying for a job as a retail assistant. Write a short paragraph describing why you are a good candidate, focusing on your ability to 'open' (avama) new opportunities for the company. Use 'avama' in at least two different contexts.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Olen entusiastlik ja pühendunud kandidaat, kes soovib teie meeskonnaga liituda. Uute kliendisuhete loomine on mulle oluline ning ma usun, et suudan avama ettevõttele uusi turge ja võimalusi. Lisaks, minu varasemad kogemused on näidanud, et oskan avama dialoogi ka keerulistes olukordades, tagades positiivse kliendikogemuse.
Write a short email to a colleague suggesting a new project idea. In your email, explain how this project could 'open up' (avama) new avenues for collaboration between departments and potentially 'open the door' (avama ukse) to innovative solutions. Use 'avama' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tere [Kolleeegi Nimi], Mul tekkis idee uuest projektist, mis võiks meie osakondade vahel avama täiesti uusi koostöövõimalusi. Usun, et see algatus võiks avama ukse innovaatilistele lahendustele, mida me pole varem kaalunud. Ootan sinu tagasisidet ja arutelu. Parimate soovidega, [Sinu Nimi]
Describe a personal experience where you had to 'open up' (avama) to someone about a difficult situation or feeling. Explain the context and the outcome of this conversation. How did 'opening up' impact you and the other person?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mäletan, kuidas pidin aastaid tagasi avama endale lähedasele inimesele oma sügavamatest hirmudest ja ebakindlusest. See oli raske, kuid vajalik samm. See avas meievahelises suhtluses uue peatüki, süvendades meievahelist usaldust ja mõistmist. See kogemus õpetas mulle, kui oluline on ennast teistele avama, isegi kui see tundub hirmutav.
Mis rolli täitis linnapea kunstigalerii avamisel?
Read this passage:
Eile õhtul avati linna uus kunstigalerii. Ürituse avas linnapea, kes rõhutas kultuuri olulisust kogukonna elus. Paljud külastajad tulid nautima esimesi näitusi ja avastama uusi talente. Galeriil on plaanis regulaarselt avada uusi ekspositsioone, et pakkuda pidevalt värskeid elamusi.
Mis rolli täitis linnapea kunstigalerii avamisel?
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'Ürituse avas linnapea, kes rõhutas kultuuri olulisust kogukonna elus'.
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'Ürituse avas linnapea, kes rõhutas kultuuri olulisust kogukonna elus'.
Mis on uue tootmisüksuse avamise üks peamisi tagajärgi?
Read this passage:
Ettevõte Aasta Käivitus avas hiljuti oma uue tootmisüksuse, luues sadu töökohti kohalikule elanikkonnale. See samm aitab avama uusi eksporditurge ja tugevdab Eesti majandust. Juhatuse esimees märkis, et nad on valmis avama dialoogi valitsusega, et leida parimaid lahendusi jätkusuutlikuks arenguks.
Mis on uue tootmisüksuse avamise üks peamisi tagajärgi?
Tekstis on mainitud, et tootmisüksuse avamine 'luues sadu töökohti kohalikule elanikkonnale' ja 'aitab avama uusi eksporditurge'.
Tekstis on mainitud, et tootmisüksuse avamine 'luues sadu töökohti kohalikule elanikkonnale' ja 'aitab avama uusi eksporditurge'.
Mida on vaja usalduse avamiseks inimestevahelises suhtluses?
Read this passage:
Psühholoogid rõhutavad, et inimestevahelise usalduse avamiseks on vaja aega ja kannatlikkust. Tihti tuleb alustada väikeste sammudega, avades end tasapisi. See protsess aitab süvendada suhteid ja avab uusi võimalusi emotsionaalseks kasvuks. Oluline on avama oma südame, et teised saaksid sind tõeliselt tundma õppida.
Mida on vaja usalduse avamiseks inimestevahelises suhtluses?
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'inimestevahelise usalduse avamiseks on vaja aega ja kannatlikkust. Tihti tuleb alustada väikeste sammudega, avades end tasapisi.'
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'inimestevahelise usalduse avamiseks on vaja aega ja kannatlikkust. Tihti tuleb alustada väikeste sammudega, avades end tasapisi.'
This sentence asks if the door can be opened. The structure 'Palun saab...' is common for polite inquiries, followed by the object and the infinitive verb.
This sentence states that the museum opens at ten in the morning. 'Avatakse' is the impersonal passive form, indicating that the museum is opened.
This sentence means 'New opportunities opened after the project.' 'Avanesid' is the plural past tense of 'avanema' (to open oneself, to emerge), which is appropriate here for 'opportunities'.
This sentence means 'The door certainly cannot be left unopened.' The word 'küll' emphasizes 'cannot'.
This translates to 'It is difficult to openly express one's feelings.' 'Avalikult' means 'openly' or 'publicly'.
The sentence means 'He/She carefully opened the secret box.' 'Ettevaatlikult' means 'carefully'.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Basic usage of 'avama'
The most common use of 'avama' is to open something physical, like a door or a window.
Common objects to open
'avama' is used for many things you open: uks (door), aken (window), pudel (bottle), raamat (book).
'Avama' with abstract concepts
You can also use 'avama' for abstract things, like to open a bank account (pangakonto avama) or to open a discussion (diskussiooni avama).
Verb conjugation reminder
Remember that Estonian verbs conjugate. 'avama' is the infinitive. For 'I open', it's 'avan'. For 'he/she opens', it's 'avab'.
