Meaning
Having a casual conversation with someone.
Cultural Background
In Estonia, 'juttu puhuma' is often paired with drinking coffee. If someone invites you to 'juttu puhuma,' expect a cup of coffee or tea to be involved. Similar to Finland, Estonians value 'meaningful silence.' 'Juttu puhuma' is the phrase used when that silence is intentionally broken for social bonding. In Estonian startups and modern offices, 'juttu puhuma' happens in 'chill zones' or beanbag areas, reflecting a shift toward flatter hierarchies. In villages, 'juttu puhuma' often happens over a fence ('üle aia'). It is a way to keep up with village news without being intrusive.
Use it to soften invitations
If you want to meet someone but don't want it to sound like a date or a business meeting, use 'juttu puhuma'.
Watch the case
Always use 'juttu' (partitive). Saying 'jutt puhuma' is a major grammatical error that sounds very unnatural.
Meaning
Having a casual conversation with someone.
Use it to soften invitations
If you want to meet someone but don't want it to sound like a date or a business meeting, use 'juttu puhuma'.
Watch the case
Always use 'juttu' (partitive). Saying 'jutt puhuma' is a major grammatical error that sounds very unnatural.
Add 'niisama'
Saying 'puhume niisama juttu' (we're just chatting) makes it sound even more relaxed and Estonian.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'puhuma'.
Me istume pargis ja ... juttu. (Present tense, 'me')
The subject is 'me' (we), so the verb ending is -me.
Which sentence is the most natural for a casual chat with a friend?
Kuidas sa ütled sõbrale, et tahad rääkida?
'Puhume natuke juttu!' is the most friendly and informal option.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Juttu puhuma is the standard idiom for casual chatting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Tere! Mis sa teed?' B: 'Ei midagi erilist, ... naabriga juttu.'
The speaker is talking about what they are doing right now (I am blowing/chatting).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to 'Puhuda Juttu'
Social
- • Kohvik
- • Pidu
- • Saun
Daily
- • Tänav
- • Pood
- • Kodu
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMe istume pargis ja ... juttu. (Present tense, 'me')
The subject is 'me' (we), so the verb ending is -me.
Kuidas sa ütled sõbrale, et tahad rääkida?
'Puhume natuke juttu!' is the most friendly and informal option.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Juttu puhuma is the standard idiom for casual chatting.
A: 'Tere! Mis sa teed?' B: 'Ei midagi erilist, ... naabriga juttu.'
The speaker is talking about what they are doing right now (I am blowing/chatting).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not slang. It's an informal idiom that is widely used and accepted by all age groups in casual settings.
If you have a friendly, informal relationship with your teacher, yes. If it's a very formal university setting, 'vestlema' is safer.
Yes, in its idiomatic form. Literally it means 'to blow talk,' but no one uses it literally anymore.
'Rääkima' is the general verb 'to speak/talk'. 'Juttu puhuma' specifically implies a casual, social, and friendly chat.
Use the past tense: 'Me puhusime juttu.'
Only during breaks or social events. You wouldn't use it to describe a formal presentation or negotiation.
Absolutely! It's very common in SMS and messenger apps. 'Puhume juttu?' is a common text.
Not necessarily. It's usually positive. If you want to imply gossip, 'loba ajama' or 'keelt peksma' are better.
The verb conjugates for plural subjects (me puhume, nad puhuvad), but 'juttu' stays in the singular partitive.
Technically yes (chatting with myself), but it sounds a bit funny/crazy!
Related Phrases
loba ajama
similarTo talk nonsense or gossip.
keelt peksma
specialized formTo gossip maliciously (literally: to beat the tongue).
vestlema
synonymTo converse.
maast ja ilmast rääkima
builds onTo talk about everything and nothing (literally: about the earth and the weather).
