Meaning
Engaging in labor or tasks.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'töö' is linked to the national identity. Estonians take pride in being quiet, diligent workers. The phrase 'Töö kiidab tegijat' (Work praises the doer) means that your results speak for themselves. Similar to Nordic neighbors, Estonians value work-life balance, but during work hours, they are extremely focused. 'Tööd tegema' implies a lack of distraction. In the startup culture of Tallinn, 'tööd tegema' often refers to 'coding' or 'building'. It's common to hear it in co-working spaces. Historically, 'tööd tegema' was communal. 'Talkud' were events where neighbors helped each other with big tasks like harvesting.
The Partitive Rule
Always remember the 'd' at the end of 'tööd'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'töötama'
English speakers rely on 'to work' for everything. Try to switch to 'tööd tegema' when talking about your daily tasks to sound more natural.
Meaning
Engaging in labor or tasks.
The Partitive Rule
Always remember the 'd' at the end of 'tööd'. Without it, the sentence feels incomplete to a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'töötama'
English speakers rely on 'to work' for everything. Try to switch to 'tööd tegema' when talking about your daily tasks to sound more natural.
The 'da' change
When you use 'meeldib' (like) or 'tahan' (want), 'tegema' changes to 'teha'. Example: 'Ma tahan tööd teha'.
Complimenting work
If you see someone working hard, say 'Jõudu tööle!' (Strength to your work!). It's the standard Estonian greeting for someone working.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tegema'.
Ma pean täna palju tööd ______.
After the verb 'pidama' (must), we use the 'ma-infinitive'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I am working'?
'Tööd' must be in the partitive case for an ongoing action.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are common variations of the base phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas sa tuleed kinno? B: Ei saa, ma pean ______.
The phrase 'tööd tegema' fits perfectly as a reason for being busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Work (Töö liigid)
Asukoht
- • Kodus
- • Kontoris
- • Väljas
Tüüp
- • Vaimne töö
- • Füüsiline töö
- • Must töö
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa pean täna palju tööd ______.
After the verb 'pidama' (must), we use the 'ma-infinitive'.
How do you say 'I am working'?
'Tööd' must be in the partitive case for an ongoing action.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common variations of the base phrase.
A: Kas sa tuleed kinno? B: Ei saa, ma pean ______.
The phrase 'tööd tegema' fits perfectly as a reason for being busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually students say 'Ma õpin' (I'm studying). However, if you are working on a specific project, 'Ma teen tööd' is fine.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Töö' is the dictionary form (nominative). 'Tööd' is the partitive form used for ongoing actions.
Use 'Ma teen kodus tööd'.
No, for that use 'trenni tegema'.
No, it means 'to do work'. To create a job, you would say 'töökohta looma'.
Yes, it shows you are focused on the actual tasks.
It means doing something that has no result or is a waste of time.
Ma tegin tööd, sa tegid tööd, ta tegi tööd...
Yes, that means 'I am doing work with my computer'.
Related Phrases
vaeva nägema
similarTo struggle or put in great effort
töötama
synonymTo work
ametit pidama
specialized formTo hold a profession
leiba teenima
idiomTo earn one's bread
rassima
informalTo toil or work hard physically
