Meaning
Expressing great surprise or shock.
Cultural Background
Estonians are often perceived as cold or quiet. Using 'Uskumatu!' is one of the few socially acceptable ways to show high emotion without appearing 'too much'. In the tech-heavy capital, 'Uskumatu!' is frequently used to describe new app features or startup successes. In the countryside, 'Uskumatu!' might be used more sparingly, often reserved for significant events like a record-breaking harvest or a rare animal sighting. During rally (WRC) or discus throwing events, you will hear fans shouting 'Uskumatu!' at the TV or in the stands.
Intonation is Key
Rise your pitch at the end for positive surprise, and lower it for negative shock.
Add 'Lihtsalt'
Say 'Lihtsalt uskumatu!' to sound exactly like a native speaker who is truly fed up or amazed.
Meaning
Expressing great surprise or shock.
Intonation is Key
Rise your pitch at the end for positive surprise, and lower it for negative shock.
Add 'Lihtsalt'
Say 'Lihtsalt uskumatu!' to sound exactly like a native speaker who is truly fed up or amazed.
Test Yourself
Choose the best reaction to this news: 'Ma leidsin tänavalt sada eurot!' (I found 100 euros on the street!)
Reaction:
Finding money is a surprising event, so 'Uskumatu!' is the natural reaction.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word.
See vaade on lihtsalt _________!
We need an adjective to describe the view ('vaade').
What would the second person say?
A: 'Buss hilineb jälle 20 minutit.' B: '__________! See on juba kolmas kord sel nädalal.'
The speaker is frustrated by a recurring delay, making 'Uskumatu!' the appropriate response.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a cat playing the piano.
A cat playing the piano is a classic 'unbelievable' scenario.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesReaction:
Finding money is a surprising event, so 'Uskumatu!' is the natural reaction.
See vaade on lihtsalt _________!
We need an adjective to describe the view ('vaade').
A: 'Buss hilineb jälle 20 minutit.' B: '__________! See on juba kolmas kord sel nädalal.'
The speaker is frustrated by a recurring delay, making 'Uskumatu!' the appropriate response.
Situation: You see a cat playing the piano.
A cat playing the piano is a classic 'unbelievable' scenario.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is neutral and can be used with anyone, from friends to your boss.
Yes, Estonians use it for everything from a late bus to a lottery win.
'Vau' is borrowed from English and is more of a sound. 'Uskumatu' is a real word and carries more weight.
The plural is 'uskumatud'.
Related Phrases
Ei ole võimalik
synonymIt is not possible
Võimatu
similarImpossible
Imeline
similarWonderful
Jube
contrastTerrible/Awful
