Meaning
Engaging in casual conversation.
Cultural Background
Estonians value their privacy, so 'juttu ajama' is often done in semi-private spaces like saunas or kitchens rather than loudly in public transport. Similar to Finns, Estonians use 'juttu ajama' to bridge the gap between silence and social obligation. It's a way to be 'social' without being 'loud'. In the tech-savvy Estonian culture, 'juttu ajama' is the standard term for chatting on Slack or Discord in a work-social context. In villages, 'juttu ajama' over the fence with a neighbor is a vital source of local news and community bonding.
Use 'lihtsalt'
Adding 'lihtsalt' (just) before 'juttu ajama' makes you sound very native and relaxed.
Watch the case
Never say 'jutt ajama'. The partitive 'juttu' is essential for the meaning of ongoing activity.
Meaning
Engaging in casual conversation.
Use 'lihtsalt'
Adding 'lihtsalt' (just) before 'juttu ajama' makes you sound very native and relaxed.
Watch the case
Never say 'jutt ajama'. The partitive 'juttu' is essential for the meaning of ongoing activity.
The 'ma' vs 'da' rule
Remember: 'lähen juttu ajama' (going to) but 'tahan juttu ajada' (want to).
Silence is okay
Don't feel the need to 'aja juttu' constantly. Estonians appreciate silence as much as conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'ajama'.
Me ______ eile kohvikus juttu.
The sentence refers to 'eile' (yesterday), so we need the past tense (imperfect) for 'me' (we).
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I like chatting with you'?
Vali õige lause:
After 'meeldib', we use the 'da-infinitive' (ajada) and the idiom 'juttu ajama' is the most natural choice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas sul on aega? B: Jah, miks? A: Tahaksin lihtsalt natuke ______.
The speaker is expressing a wish (Tahaksin), which requires the da-infinitive form of the idiom.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a neighbor in the garden and want to be friendly.
This expresses your intention to go and have a friendly chat.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMe ______ eile kohvikus juttu.
The sentence refers to 'eile' (yesterday), so we need the past tense (imperfect) for 'me' (we).
Vali õige lause:
After 'meeldib', we use the 'da-infinitive' (ajada) and the idiom 'juttu ajama' is the most natural choice.
A: Kas sul on aega? B: Jah, miks? A: Tahaksin lihtsalt natuke ______.
The speaker is expressing a wish (Tahaksin), which requires the da-infinitive form of the idiom.
Situation: You see a neighbor in the garden and want to be friendly.
This expresses your intention to go and have a friendly chat.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is a standard informal idiom used by everyone from children to the President in casual settings.
In a casual email to a friend, yes. In a formal business email, use 'vestlema' or 'suhtlema'.
'Rääkima' is the general verb for 'to speak'. 'Juttu ajama' specifically means casual, social chatting.
Use the imperfect tense: 'Ma ajasin juttu'.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship and are talking during a break.
Usually no, it would sound like you aren't taking the meeting seriously.
It means to talk about nothing important or to waste time with words.
You can just use the verb 'lobisema', which is one word and means roughly the same thing.
Yes, it's very common to use for messaging apps.
It's a metaphorical way of saying you are keeping the conversation moving forward.
Related Phrases
Lobisema
synonymTo chatter or gossip
Vestlema
synonymTo converse
Tühja juttu ajama
specialized formTo talk nonsense/idle talk
Jutule saama
builds onTo get to talk to someone
Keelt peksma
contrastTo gossip maliciously
Sõna sekka ütlema
similarTo chime in
