Meaning
Complimenting food during a meal.
Cultural Background
Estonians are often reserved. A compliment like 'See on väga maitsev' is taken seriously and appreciated deeply because it isn't thrown around lightly. In this region, finishing everything on your plate is the ultimate silent compliment. Combining a clean plate with 'See oli väga maitsev' is the best way to show respect. If invited to an Estonian home, it is customary to bring a small gift (like flowers or chocolate). Complimenting the home-made food is the next step in being a good guest. Service in Estonia can be quiet. Waiters might not check on you often, so if you want to compliment the chef, you should proactively say this when they clear the plates.
The Thumbs Up
In Estonia, a thumbs up while eating is a universal sign that 'See on väga maitsev' without needing to speak with your mouth full.
Don't say it to yourself
Saying 'See on väga maitsev' about your own cooking can sound a bit arrogant in Estonia. Wait for others to say it first!
Meaning
Complimenting food during a meal.
The Thumbs Up
In Estonia, a thumbs up while eating is a universal sign that 'See on väga maitsev' without needing to speak with your mouth full.
Don't say it to yourself
Saying 'See on väga maitsev' about your own cooking can sound a bit arrogant in Estonia. Wait for others to say it first!
Add 'tõesti'
Say 'See on tõesti väga maitsev' (This is truly very tasty) to sound more sincere and advanced.
The 'Aitäh' Rule
Always follow up your compliment with 'Aitäh' (Thank you) to the person who served you.
Test Yourself
How do you say 'This is very tasty' in Estonian?
Choose the correct phrase:
'Maitsev' is the specific word for tasty food.
Complete the sentence to compliment the soup.
See supp ___ väga maitsev.
'On' is the 3rd person singular of the verb 'olema' (to be).
Match the response to the situation.
The waiter asks: 'Kuidas toit on?'
This is the appropriate response to a question about food quality.
Fill in the missing word in the dialogue.
A: Proovi seda kooki! B: Aitäh! See on ____ maitsev!
'Väga' (very) is used to intensify the compliment.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Maitsev'
Food
- • Leib
- • Supp
- • Praad
Drinks
- • Kohv
- • Tee
- • Mahl
Not for
- • Filmid
- • Muusika
- • Inimesed
Practice Bank
4 exercisesChoose the correct phrase:
'Maitsev' is the specific word for tasty food.
See supp ___ väga maitsev.
'On' is the 3rd person singular of the verb 'olema' (to be).
The waiter asks: 'Kuidas toit on?'
This is the appropriate response to a question about food quality.
A: Proovi seda kooki! B: Aitäh! See on ____ maitsev!
'Väga' (very) is used to intensify the compliment.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, you can use it for coffee, tea, or juice, though 'hea' (good) is also very common for drinks.
Absolutely. It is the most common way to tell a waiter you are happy with your meal.
You would say 'See ei ole maitsev', but be careful—this is very blunt and can be rude.
Yes, it becomes 'maitsvad'. For example: 'Need pirukad on maitsvad'.
'Maitsev' specifically means tasty/delicious. 'Hea' just means good. Both are fine for food.
No, that would sound very strange and potentially suggestive in a way you don't intend!
Yes, 'suurepärane' (excellent) or 'hõrk' (exquisite) are more formal.
You can say 'See on väga-väga maitsev'.
Yes, it is standard Estonian used everywhere from Tallinn to Tartu.
No, for smells you use 'hea lõhn' (good smell).
The most common opposite is 'maitsetu' (tasteless/bland).
Yes, clearly, like the 'v' in 'very'.
Related Phrases
See maitseb hästi
similarThis tastes good
Väga hea
synonymVery good
Suurepärane toit
specialized formExcellent food
See on rõve
contrastThis is disgusting
Head isu
builds onBon appetit
Maitsvaim
specialized formTastiest
