Meaning
Used to express indifference.
Cultural Background
Estonians value 'minimalist communication'. Saying 'suva' is often seen as being easy-going rather than lazy. Among Estonian teens, 'suva' is often paired with a specific 'deadpan' facial expression to maximize the 'cool' factor. In Estonian internet comments, 'suva' is used to 'troll' or dismiss long, emotional arguments. While 'suva' is slang, in modern IT startups in Tallinn, the register is so casual that you might actually hear 'suva' in internal meetings.
The Shrug
To sound truly Estonian, pair the word 'suva' with a slight, single-shoulder shrug and a neutral face.
Not for Bosses
Never say 'suva' to your boss when they give you a task, unless you want to look for a new job!
Meaning
Used to express indifference.
The Shrug
To sound truly Estonian, pair the word 'suva' with a slight, single-shoulder shrug and a neutral face.
Not for Bosses
Never say 'suva' to your boss when they give you a task, unless you want to look for a new job!
The 'Savi' Alternative
If you want to sound really 'Tallinn street', try 'Mul on savi'. It's the cool cousin of 'suva'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't care'.
Mul on ______.
'Mul on suva' is the correct idiomatic expression.
Which response is most appropriate for a casual friend asking about pizza toppings?
Kas sa tahad sinki või seeni?
'Suva' is perfect for casual choices between friends.
Complete the dialogue with the slang word for 'random'.
A: Kes see oli? B: Ma ei tea, mingi ______ tüüp.
In slang, 'suva' is used as an adjective meaning 'random'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You dropped your cheap pen and it broke.
'Ah, suva' is used to dismiss minor negative events.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Suva'
Safe
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Casual texts
- • Choosing food
Risky
- • Teachers
- • Bosses
- • Strangers
- • Serious news
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMul on ______.
'Mul on suva' is the correct idiomatic expression.
Kas sa tahad sinki või seeni?
'Suva' is perfect for casual choices between friends.
A: Kes see oli? B: Ma ei tea, mingi ______ tüüp.
In slang, 'suva' is used as an adjective meaning 'random'.
Situation: You dropped your cheap pen and it broke.
'Ah, suva' is used to dismiss minor negative events.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIt depends on the context. With friends, it's perfectly fine. With strangers or elders, it can be seen as dismissive.
No, it is slang. Use 'ükskõik' or 'suvaline' in formal writing.
They mean the same thing, but 'savi' is slightly more informal/slangy.
You can say 'Mul on täiesti suva' or 'Mul on sügavalt suva'.
No, it's a native Estonian root, though it occupies a similar space to some Russian loanwords.
Related Phrases
ükskõik
synonymregardless / it's all the same
vahet pole
similarno difference
savi
synonymclay (slang for whatever)
suvaline
builds onarbitrary / random
pohhui
similarI don't give a f***
