Meaning
Walking for leisure or exercise.
Cultural Background
Estonians have a 'bog-walking' culture. They use special 'bog shoes' (räätsad) to go 'jalutamas' in wetlands. Health trails (terviserajad) are found in almost every Estonian town, specifically designed for 'jalutamas käimine' and 'tervisesport'. Walking is a common 'first date' activity in Estonia, as it is seen as less intense than a formal dinner. The 'White Nights' in summer lead to people 'jalutamas käima' very late at night when it is still light outside.
The 'Käima' Rule
Remember that 'käima' always implies you return. If you say 'Ma käisin jalutamas', it means you are already back home.
Silence is Golden
Don't feel the need to talk constantly while walking with an Estonian. The shared silence is part of the experience.
Meaning
Walking for leisure or exercise.
The 'Käima' Rule
Remember that 'käima' always implies you return. If you say 'Ma käisin jalutamas', it means you are already back home.
Silence is Golden
Don't feel the need to talk constantly while walking with an Estonian. The shared silence is part of the experience.
Weather Proof
Estonians say 'There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.' They will 'jalutamas käima' even in snow!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'käima'.
Ma ______ igal õhtul pargis jalutamas.
The subject is 'Ma' (I), so the verb 'käima' must be in the first person singular.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural way to say 'I went for a walk yesterday'.
'Käima' requires the '-mas' form, and 'jalutamas' is for leisure.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to invite a friend for a relaxing walk.
This is the most natural and friendly invitation for a stroll.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas sa tahad õue tulla? B: Jah, ______.
'Lähme' (let's go) + 'jalutamas käima' is a perfect response to an invitation to go outside.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to go 'jalutamas'?
Nature
- • Metsas (Forest)
- • Rabas (Bog)
- • Mere ääres (By the sea)
City
- • Pargis (Park)
- • Vanalinnas (Old Town)
- • Promenaadil (Promenade)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa ______ igal õhtul pargis jalutamas.
The subject is 'Ma' (I), so the verb 'käima' must be in the first person singular.
Choose the natural way to say 'I went for a walk yesterday'.
'Käima' requires the '-mas' form, and 'jalutamas' is for leisure.
You want to invite a friend for a relaxing walk.
This is the most natural and friendly invitation for a stroll.
A: Kas sa tahad õue tulla? B: Jah, ______.
'Lähme' (let's go) + 'jalutamas käima' is a perfect response to an invitation to go outside.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that sounds like you are strolling around your office for fun. Use 'Ma käin tööl' to mean you work there.
'Käima' focuses on the whole activity or habit, while 'minema' focuses on the moment of leaving.
Yes, 'koeraga jalutamas käima' is the standard phrase for walking a dog.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone.
You say 'Mulle meeldib jalutamas käia'.
No, for hiking use 'matkamas käima'.
It is the inessive case of the -ma infinitive (supine).
No, Estonian uses cases instead of prepositions here.
Yes, that is also correct and slightly more formal.
Then use 'kiirkõndi tegema'.
Related Phrases
jalutama minema
similarTo leave for a walk
jalutuskäik
builds onA walk (noun)
kepikõnd
specialized formNordic walking
matkama
contrastTo hike
pead tuulutama
similarTo clear one's head
