Meaning
Used when toasting or when someone sneezes.
Cultural Background
Eye contact is mandatory during a toast. It is considered very rude to avoid it. Similar to Estonian, 'Kippis' is used for toasts, but 'Terveydeksi' is used for sneezes. Russians use 'Na zdorovye' for toasts, but it is often misunderstood by foreigners as the standard way to say 'You're welcome'. Latvians use 'Uz veselību' for toasts, which is very similar in meaning to the Estonian 'Terviseks'.
Eye Contact
Always look at your partner's eyes when toasting. It's the most important part of the ritual.
Sneeze Etiquette
If you sneeze, you don't need to say anything, but if someone says 'Terviseks', a simple 'Aitäh' is polite.
Meaning
Used when toasting or when someone sneezes.
Eye Contact
Always look at your partner's eyes when toasting. It's the most important part of the ritual.
Sneeze Etiquette
If you sneeze, you don't need to say anything, but if someone says 'Terviseks', a simple 'Aitäh' is polite.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank for a toast.
Me tõstame klaasid ja ütleme ______!
Terviseks is the correct word for a toast.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone sneezes. What do you say?
Terviseks is the polite response to a sneeze.
Which is the correct usage?
When do you use 'Terviseks'?
It is used in both social contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMe tõstame klaasid ja ütleme ______!
Terviseks is the correct word for a toast.
Someone sneezes. What do you say?
Terviseks is the polite response to a sneeze.
When do you use 'Terviseks'?
It is used in both social contexts.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it is a great way to wish someone health on their birthday.
It's not necessarily rude, but it's a missed opportunity to be polite.
Related Phrases
Tervist!
similarHello / Good health
Aitäh
builds onThank you
Head aega
contrastGoodbye
Tere
contrastHello
