When we use the preposition 'vastu', it often means 'against'. For example, if you lean vastu seina, you are leaning against the wall. Or, if you are fighting vastu vaenlasi, you are fighting against enemies.
It can also express opposition or resistance, like when you go vastu tuult, meaning you go against the wind. Sometimes, it can imply disagreement, such as rääkima vastu, meaning to speak against something or someone.
When vastu is used as a postposition, it expresses opposition or resistance. For instance, you might lean vastu seina (against the wall).
It can also indicate an exchange or counteraction, like vastu andma (to give back) or vastu ründama (to counter-attack).
When used with verbs of movement, vastu can mean 'towards' in a confrontational sense, such as tule vastu (come to meet/face me).
Context is crucial, as its meaning can shift from physical opposition to more abstract ideas of reciprocity or defiance.
Tere! Let's get straight to it. Today we're looking at 'vastu,' a word you'll hear and use constantly in Estonian. It means 'against' and has a few nuances you need to understand to sound natural. This isn't academic; it's about practical usage. Pay attention, because mastering 'vastu' will immediately make your Estonian sound more authentic.
§ Basic Meaning: Against
The most common use of 'vastu' is to express 'against' in a physical sense. Think of something leaning against a wall, or someone pushing against a door. It often implies contact or resistance.
- Estonian Word
- vastu (preposition)
- Definition
- Against something or someone
Tool on seina vastu.
Hint: The chair is against the wall.
Ta surus käe ukse vastu.
Hint: He pressed his hand against the door.
§ Figurative Use: Opposing, Resisting, or in Return
Beyond physical contact, 'vastu' is used in many abstract ways. This is where it gets interesting and truly useful for everyday conversations. It can mean opposing an idea, resisting a trend, or even 'in return for' something.
§ In Discussions and Opinions (Work/School/News)
You'll often hear 'vastu' when people express disagreement or opposition to an idea or proposal. This is common in meetings, debates, or when discussing news. Listen for it in official statements or school discussions.
Olen selle otsuse vastu.
Hint: I am against this decision.
Partei hääletas uue seaduse vastu.
Hint: The party voted against the new law.
Õpilased avaldasid meelt õppemaksu tõstmise vastu.
Hint: The students protested against the tuition fee increase.
§ In Terms of Protection or Resistance
'Vastu' can also mean to protect or resist something negative, like a disease, cold, or attack. This is common in health advice, news about security, or just everyday conversations about staying warm.
Vaktsiin kaitseb haiguse vastu.
Hint: The vaccine protects against the disease.
Talv tuleb ja peame olema külma vastu valmis.
Hint: Winter is coming and we must be ready against the cold.
§ In Return For (Informal/Everyday)
This is a very common and practical use. When you do something 'vastu,' it often implies you're doing it in return for something else. Think of 'vastutasuks' (in return/as a reward), which uses 'vastu' as its root.
Andsin talle raha kingituse vastu.
Hint: I gave him money in return for the gift.
Mida sa ootad selle töö vastu?
Hint: What do you expect in return for this work?
§ Set Phrases and Expressions
Estonian, like any language, has many set phrases. 'Vastu' appears in several common ones. Learning these will make your Estonian sound much more native.
- Vastu võtma: To accept, receive. (e.g., pakkumise vastu võtma - to accept an offer)
- Vastu tulema: To come to meet, to accommodate. (e.g., soovi vastu tulema - to accommodate a wish)
- Vastu hakkama: To resist, to fight back. (e.g., vaenlasele vastu hakkama - to resist the enemy)
- Vastu pidama: To endure, to last. (e.g., survele vastu pidama - to endure pressure)
Ma pean otsuse homme vastu võtma.
Hint: I have to accept the decision tomorrow.
Ettevõte tuli kliendi soovidele vastu.
Hint: The company accommodated the client's wishes.
So, 'vastu' is more than just 'against.' It's about opposition, protection, and reciprocity. Listen for it in news reports, notice how your colleagues use it, and try to incorporate these phrases into your own Estonian. Head to our next section for more practical examples. Edu!
재미있는 사실
This word has cognates in other Finnic languages, like Finnish 'vasten' or 'vastaan', carrying a similar meaning of opposition or encounter.
발음 가이드
- Don't pronounce the 'u' like in 'cut', it's more like the 'oo' in 'moon' but shorter.
수준별 예문
Ta seisis kindlalt oma veendumuste vastu, isegi kui kõik teised olid eri arvamusel.
He stood firm against his beliefs, even when everyone else had a different opinion.
Here, 'vastu' indicates opposition to ideas.
Otsus võeti vastu vaatamata tugevale vastupanule mõnede liikmete poolt.
The decision was made despite strong opposition from some members.
'Vastu võeti' means 'was accepted' or 'was adopted', but the 'vastu' here still carries the sense of opposition when combined with 'vastupanule'.
Laps jooksis otse palli järele, põrkudes kogemata vastu seina.
The child ran directly after the ball, accidentally bumping against the wall.
'Vastu seina' means 'against the wall', indicating physical contact.
See ravim aitab hästi allergiate vastu, leevendades sümptomeid kiiresti.
This medicine works well against allergies, relieving symptoms quickly.
'Vastu allergiate' means 'against allergies', referring to the treatment of a condition.
Vanaema rääkis, et ennevanasti pidi talvel küttepuud ise metsast vastu tooma.
Grandmother said that in the olden days, in winter, firewood had to be brought from the forest.
'Vastu tooma' means 'to bring back' or 'to fetch from'. This is a common phrasal verb.
Ma olen alati olnud vastu igasugusele diskrimineerimisele ühiskonnas.
I have always been against all forms of discrimination in society.
'Vastu igasugusele diskrimineerimisele' means 'against all forms of discrimination', expressing opposition to a concept.
Laev heitis ankru ranniku lähedal vastu tugevat lainetust.
The ship cast anchor near the coast against strong waves.
'Vastu tugevat lainetust' means 'against strong waves', indicating resistance to a natural force.
Pärast pikka tööpäeva istusin mugavalt tugitooli, selg vastu pehmet patja.
After a long workday, I sat comfortably in the armchair, my back against a soft cushion.
'Selg vastu pehmet patja' means 'back against a soft cushion', indicating physical contact for support.
Ta seisis vastu ootustele ja saavutas oma eesmärgi.
He stood against expectations and achieved his goal.
Olukord oli keeruline, kuid me otsustasime vastu seista.
The situation was difficult, but we decided to resist.
Valitsus võttis vastu uue seaduse.
The government adopted a new law.
Ta kaebas otsuse edasi, kuid kohus jättis kaebuse rahuldamata ja jäi oma eelmisele otsusele vastu.
He appealed the decision, but the court dismissed the appeal and stood by its previous ruling.
Külalised tulid vastu õhtut.
The guests arrived towards the evening.
Ma olen alati olnud vastu igasugusele ebaõiglusele.
I have always been against all injustice.
Ta aitas mind vastu tasu.
He helped me in return for payment.
Päike paistis otse vastu silmi.
The sun shone directly into my eyes.
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
어원
Proto-Finnic
원래 의미: against, opposite
Uralic문화적 맥락
When something is 'vastu', it often implies a direct confrontation or opposition. It's a very common and practical preposition in Estonian, used in many everyday situations from leaning against a wall to arguing against an idea.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문You can say 'seina vastu'. 'Seina' is the genitive form of 'sein' (wall).
Not always. It can also mean 'against' in an opposing sense, like 'against the rules' ('reeglite vastu').
'Vastu' often implies contact or direction towards, while 'vastas' means 'opposite' or 'facing'. For example, 'Ukse vastu' (against the door, touching it) versus 'Ukse vastas' (opposite the door, across from it).
Yes, 'vastu' typically takes the genitive case. So, 'tema vastu' (against him/her), 'laua vastu' (against the table).
Yes, it often pairs with verbs to form phrasal verbs or express a direction. For instance, 'jooksma vastu' (to run into something).
You would say 'minu tahte vastu'. 'Tahte' is the genitive of 'tahe' (will).
Absolutely. For example, 'vastu panema' means 'to resist'.
Yes, 'vastu' can also have this meaning, especially in phrases like 'millegi vastu midagi andma' (to give something in return for something).
Think of it as 'touching against' or 'opposing against'. If something is in contact or in opposition, 'vastu' is likely the word you need.
You'd say 'toetuda puu vastu'. 'Puu' is the genitive of 'puu' (tree).
셀프 테스트 48 질문
Choose the best translation for: 'Ma olen selle vastu.'
'Vastu' means 'against', so 'Ma olen selle vastu' translates to 'I am against it'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'vastu' to express opposition?
'Me oleme selle eelnõu vastu' means 'We are against this bill', showing opposition. The other options use 'vastu' for physical contact or direction.
In the sentence 'Laps viskas palli vastu akent', what does 'vastu' imply?
When used with movement, 'vastu' often means 'at' or 'against', indicating impact or contact with a surface. 'Laps viskas palli vastu akent' means 'The child threw the ball at the window'.
The sentence 'Ma pole sinu vastu' means 'I am not against you'.
Adding 'pole' (negative form of 'olen') before 'sinu vastu' negates the 'against you' part, so it means 'I am not against you'.
In 'Ta toetas redeli vastu seina', 'vastu' indicates that the ladder was falling.
'Ta toetas redeli vastu seina' means 'He leaned the ladder against the wall'. 'Vastu' here indicates physical support or contact, not falling.
The phrase 'vastu vaidlema' means 'to agree with'.
'Vastu vaidlema' literally means 'to argue against' or 'to object', which is the opposite of agreeing with.
I am against this.
Why are you against me?
This is against the law.
Read this aloud:
Ma pole selle otsuse vastu.
Focus: vastu
당신의 답변:
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Read this aloud:
Ta seisis seina vastu.
Focus: seisis vastu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Me võitleme ebaõigluse vastu.
Focus: võitleme vastu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen for 'vastu' and understand its meaning in the context of facing a challenge.
Pay attention to the tone and context to grasp 'vastu' used in disagreement.
Identify 'vastu ootusi' and interpret its meaning about acting contrary to expectations.
Read this aloud:
Ma olen vastu sellele ideele, sest see pole praktiline.
Focus: vastu
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ära mine vastu seina, see teeb haiget.
Focus: vastu seina
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ta rääkis vastu kõigi soovitustele.
Focus: vastu kõigi soovitustele
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the correct sentence: The wind blew against my face.
The preposition 'vastu' typically precedes the noun or pronoun it modifies when indicating direction or opposition.
Which sentence correctly uses 'vastu' to mean 'in return' or 'in exchange for'?
In this context, 'vastu' follows the noun it refers to when expressing 'in return for'.
Select the sentence where 'vastu' expresses resistance or opposition.
When 'vastu' means 'against' in the sense of resistance, it usually follows the noun it modifies.
The sentence 'Ma olin vastu idee' correctly uses 'vastu' to mean 'I was against the idea.'
The usage is correct. 'Olema vastu millegi(le)' is a common construction to express being against something.
In the phrase 'läks vastu seina', 'vastu' means 'around the wall'.
'Vastu seina' means 'against the wall' or 'into the wall', indicating impact or direct contact, not 'around'.
The sentence 'Päike paistis otse vastu mu silmi' means 'The sun shone directly in my eyes.'
'Otse vastu' correctly conveys the meaning of something shining directly into or against something.
Listen for how the speaker expresses going against expectations.
Pay attention to how 'vastupanu' (resistance) is used in the context of a project.
Notice how 'vastu seisma' (to resist/stand against) is used with 'kiusatus' (temptation).
Read this aloud:
Kuidas te väljakutsetele vastu seisate?
Focus: väljakutsetele vastu seisate
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Arvestades olukorda, kuidas saaksin ma sellele ettepanekule vastu vaielda?
Focus: vastu vaielda
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Kas on õige minna vastu vanemate soovidele, isegi kui see on minu unistus?
Focus: vastu vanemate soovidele
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Poliitikute lubadused on tihti ___ tegelikkusele.
In this context, 'vastu' means 'contrary to' or 'against', implying the promises are not in line with reality. The other options don't fit this meaning.
Ta esitas oma argumendid väga veenvalt, kuigi need olid ___ üldisele arvamusele.
'Vastu' here signifies 'against' or 'contrary to', indicating his arguments went against the popular opinion.
Ettevõte on võtnud kindla seisukoha ___ ebaeetilisele käitumisele.
Here, 'vastu' means 'against', showing the company's opposition to unethical behavior.
Tema otsus minna välismaale õppima oli ___ pere ootustele.
'Vastu' is used here to express 'contrary to' or 'against', indicating her decision diverged from her family's expectations.
See teooria on täiesti ___ kehtivatele teaduslikele põhimõtetele.
'Vastu' here means 'against' or 'contrary to', implying the theory contradicts established scientific principles.
Avalik arvamus pöördus kiiresti ___ valitsuse uuele seaduseelnõule.
'Vastu' indicates that public opinion turned 'against' the government's new bill.
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: Tema tegutsemine oli ___ kõigi ootustele.
The context implies an action contrary to expectations, making 'vastu' (against) the correct choice.
Milline sõna sobib konteksti: 'Olukorra keerukusele ___ leidis ta lahenduse, mis üllatas kõiki.'
Here, 'vastu' is used in the sense of 'despite' or 'contrary to', indicating that a solution was found despite the complexity.
Vali sobivaim sõna: 'Ta pidi minema ___ voolu, et oma ideid kaitsta.'
'Vastu voolu minema' is an idiom meaning 'to go against the current', implying resistance.
Lauses 'Valitsuse otsus pälvis laialdast vastupanu ühiskonnas' tähendab 'vastupanu' sama mis 'vastu'.
'Vastupanu' is a noun meaning 'resistance', while 'vastu' is a preposition meaning 'against'. They are related but not interchangeable in this context.
Fraasis 'astus vastu' kasutatakse 'vastu' kui verbi osa, mis annab edasi vastandlikkust.
In 'astus vastu' (stepped against/resisted), 'vastu' functions as a postposition indicating opposition or confrontation, modifying the verb 'astuma'.
Kui öeldakse 'vastu seina', siis 'vastu' viitab alati füüsilisele kokkupuutele millegagi.
While 'vastu seina' (against the wall) often implies physical contact, 'vastu' can also be used abstractly, such as 'pea vastu seina jooksma' (to hit one's head against a wall), meaning to face an insurmountable problem.
You are writing a letter to a local council to protest a new development. Use 'vastu' to express your opposition to the plan and suggest an alternative solution that takes into account community well-being. Focus on formal tone and persuasive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Austatud linnavalitsus, kirjutame teile seoses uue arengukava ettepanekuga. Meie kogukond on selle plaani vastu, kuna see ignoreerib elanike heaolu ja keskkonnamõju. Pakume välja alternatiivse lahenduse, mis arvestaks rohealade säilitamisega ja kohalike ettevõtete toetamisega.
Describe a scenario where a character is facing a significant moral dilemma. Use 'vastu' to illustrate the internal conflict and the opposing forces at play, such as personal gain versus ethical responsibility. Explain the character's internal struggle and their eventual decision.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Noor jurist seisis moraalse dilemma ees: kas võtta vastu kõrgepalgaline töökoht, mis nõudis eetikakoodeksi rikkumist, või jääda truuks oma põhimõtetele ja kaotada võimalus kiireks karjääriredelil tõusmiseks. Tema südametunnistus oli vastu pakkumisele, samas kui ambitsioonid kiskusid teises suunas. Lõpuks otsustas ta jääda truuks oma väärtustele, teades, et see on õige valik, isegi kui see tähendas raskemat teed.
Imagine you are an architect presenting a design for an innovative building. Explain how the building's structure is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, specifically using 'vastu' to describe its resistance to strong winds and heavy rainfall. Elaborate on the materials and techniques used.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Meie pakutav hoone disain on loodud taluma ekstreemseid ilmastikuolusid. Kasutame spetsiaalseid komposiitmaterjale, mis on eriti vastupidavad tuule ja vihma vastu. Fassaad on projekteeritud aerodünaamiliselt, et minimeerida tuule survejõudu, ja katusesüsteem on optimeeritud vastu võtma suuri sademehulki ilma lekketeta. Hoone vundament on samuti tugevdatud, et seista kindlalt vastu maapinna erosioonile.
Mida tähendab lauses 'traditsioonid, mis on aastasadu kestnud, võivad tunduda uutele ideedele vastupidavad' sõna 'vastupidavad' kontekstis?
Read this passage:
Üha globaliseeruvas maailmas tekib sageli kultuuride kokkupõrkeid, kus vanad traditsioonid seisavad silmitsi uute mõjutustega. See dialoog on keeruline, tihti vastuoluline, kuid samal ajal ka viljakas. Traditsioonid, mis on aastasadu kestnud, võivad tunduda uutele ideedele vastupidavad, kuid just see pinge sünnitab innovatsiooni ja arengut.
Mida tähendab lauses 'traditsioonid, mis on aastasadu kestnud, võivad tunduda uutele ideedele vastupidavad' sõna 'vastupidavad' kontekstis?
Sõna 'vastupidavad' viitab siin vanade traditsioonide võimele vastu seista uutele ideedele ja mitte kergesti muutuda.
Sõna 'vastupidavad' viitab siin vanade traditsioonide võimele vastu seista uutele ideedele ja mitte kergesti muutuda.
Miks on avalikkuse teadlikkus ja surve olulised kliimamuutuste vastases võitluses?
Read this passage:
Kliimamuutuste vastane võitlus nõuab globaalset koostööd ja radikaalseid muutusi meie tarbimisharjumustes. Kuigi paljud riigid on võtnud vastu ambitsioonikaid plaane, seisavad nad sageli silmitsi majanduslike ja poliitiliste takistustega. Avalikkuse teadlikkus ja surve on olulised tegurid, mis aitavad valitsustel vastu võtta raskeid, kuid vajalikke otsuseid.
Miks on avalikkuse teadlikkus ja surve olulised kliimamuutuste vastases võitluses?
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'avalikkuse teadlikkus ja surve on olulised tegurid, mis aitavad valitsustel vastu võtta raskeid, kuid vajalikke otsuseid'.
Tekstis on öeldud, et 'avalikkuse teadlikkus ja surve on olulised tegurid, mis aitavad valitsustel vastu võtta raskeid, kuid vajalikke otsuseid'.
Mida sünnib kahe vastandliku idee (teesi ja antiteesi) kokkupõrkest dialektikas?
Read this passage:
Filosoofias on dialektika meetod, kus kahe vastandliku idee (teesi ja antiteesi) kokkupõrkest sünnib uus, sünteetiline idee. See protsess ei ole pelgalt vastandumine, vaid konstruktiivne pinge, mis viib sügavama arusaamiseni. Mõnikord tundub, et vastuolud on ületamatud, kuid just nende läbi avastatakse uusi perspektiive.
Mida sünnib kahe vastandliku idee (teesi ja antiteesi) kokkupõrkest dialektikas?
Tekst ütleb, et 'kahe vastandliku idee (teesi ja antiteesi) kokkupõrkest sünnib uus, sünteetiline idee'.
Tekst ütleb, et 'kahe vastandliku idee (teesi ja antiteesi) kokkupõrkest sünnib uus, sünteetiline idee'.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
관련 콘텐츠
general 관련 단어
ainult
A1Only or just
algama
A1To begin or start
all
A1Under or below something
aprill
A1The fourth month of the year
arvama
A1To think, suppose, or opine
august
A1The eighth month of the year
detsember
A1The twelfth month of the year
ees
A1In front of
enne
A1Before or previously
esmaspäev
A1The first day of the week, Monday
