arvama

The Estonian verb arvama is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily serving to express opinions, suppositions, and beliefs. At its core, it translates to 'to think' or 'to suppose' in English, but its usage is more strictly tied to the act of holding an opinion rather than the mechanical process of thought. In Estonian, there is a sharp distinction between mõtlema (the cognitive process of thinking) and arvama (the subjective act of believing or opining). When you use arvama, you are signaling to your listener that what follows is your personal perspective, an estimation, or a guess based on available information. This word is essential for navigating social interactions where politeness and clarity of perspective are required. For instance, in a culture known for being somewhat reserved, using arvama acts as a linguistic cushion, softening statements and making them less dogmatic. Historically, the word is derived from the root arv, meaning 'number' or 'count'. This etymological link reveals a fascinating conceptual journey: from 'calculating' or 'counting' items, the meaning evolved into 'calculating' the truth or 'estimating' a situation, eventually landing on the modern sense of 'opining'.

Subjective Opinion

Used when expressing how you feel about a topic, such as 'I think this movie is good'.

Supposition and Guessing

Used when you lack full information but are making an educated guess, like 'I think it might rain'.

Public Discourse

Commonly found in news media and debates where experts provide their 'arvamus' (opinion).

In Estonian social etiquette, starting a sentence with 'Ma arvan, et...' (I think that...) is a standard way to introduce a suggestion without being overly assertive. It allows for a collaborative dialogue. Furthermore, the word is used in various grammatical constructions that indicate 'thinking something of someone' or 'deeming something to be so'. For example, 'Ma arvasin sind targemaks' (I thought/deemed you to be smarter) uses the translative case to show a change or a state of being deemed. The versatility of arvama extends into legal and formal contexts as well, where a 'legal opinion' is an 'õiguslik arvamus'. Understanding this word is not just about learning a verb; it is about understanding how Estonians frame their reality and negotiate truth in conversation. It is a word that bridges the gap between objective facts and personal internal states. Whether you are at a cafe discussing the weather or in a boardroom debating strategy, arvama will be your most frequent tool for self-expression. It is also worth noting that the word can be used in the negative to express disagreement politely: 'Ma ei arva nii' (I don't think so), which is much softer than saying 'Sa eksid' (You are wrong).

The word also appears in the context of 'counting' in very old or poetic texts, though this is rare today. Modern Estonian separates 'counting' into the verb arvutama (to calculate) or loendama (to count). However, the noun arv (number) remains the root. This connection highlights the logic inherent in the Estonian language: to have an opinion is to have 'calculated' the situation. This nuance is vital for English speakers who might use 'think' for both 'I am thinking about my cat' (mõtlen) and 'I think cats are better than dogs' (arvan). If you confuse the two, an Estonian might think you are actively meditating on the concept of cats rather than expressing a preference. Therefore, mastering arvama is a key milestone in moving from a literal translator to a natural speaker. It reflects the pragmatic and somewhat analytical nature of the Estonian mindset, where opinions are treated as estimations of reality.

Colloquial Usage

Often shortened in speech to 'arva' in some dialects, though 'arvan' is standard.

Using arvama correctly requires an understanding of Estonian sentence structure and verb conjugation. As a regular -ma infinitive verb, it follows standard patterns, but its 'rections' (the cases it requires for its objects) are specific. The most frequent pattern is arvama + et (that) + a subordinate clause. This is the direct equivalent of the English 'I think that...'. For example, 'Ma arvan, et täna on ilus ilm' (I think that today is beautiful weather). Notice that in Estonian, a comma always precedes the word et. This is a strict rule that learners often forget. Another common structure involves the elative case (-st) to indicate what you are thinking about. 'Mida sa sellest raamatust arvad?' translates to 'What do you think about this book?'. Here, sellest raamatust is in the elative case, which literally means 'out of this book'. This implies that your opinion is drawn 'from' the subject matter. This is a crucial distinction from English, which uses the preposition 'about'.

The 'Et' Clause

Ma arvan, et... (followed by a full sentence). This is the most versatile form.

The Elative Rection

Arvama + [Noun]-st. Used to ask for an opinion on a specific thing or person.

The Translative Case

Used to express 'deeming' someone to be something. 'Ta arvas mind oma sõbraks' (He deemed/thought of me as his friend).

When conjugating arvama, it is helpful to remember that it is a productive verb. Present tense: arvan, arvad, arvab, arvame, arvate, arvavad. Past tense: arvasin, arvasid, arvas, arvasime, arvasite, arvasid. The negative form is also vital: 'Ma ei arva' (I don't think). In more complex sentences, you might see the conditional mood: 'Ma arvaksin' (I would think). This is common in polite disagreement or hypothetical scenarios: 'Ma arvaksin, et see on liiga kallis' (I would think that this is too expensive). The word also plays a role in the passive voice: 'Arvatakse, et...' (It is thought that...), which is often used in journalism to report rumors or general consensus without naming a specific source. For example, 'Arvatakse, et majandus kasvab' (It is thought that the economy will grow). This construction is very useful for impersonal or objective-sounding statements.

Furthermore, arvama can be combined with other verbs in the 'da-infinitive' to express intentions or decisions, though this is slightly more formal. 'Ta arvas heaks lahkuda' (He saw fit/decided to leave). Here, 'arvas heaks' is a fixed expression meaning 'to deem good' or 'to decide'. This demonstrates how the verb moves from simple opinion to judgment and decision-making. In spoken Estonian, you will often hear 'või mis sa arvad?' added to the end of sentences. This is the equivalent of 'don't you think?' or 'right?'. It's a tag question used to invite the other person into the conversation. For example: 'See on ilus ilm, või mis sa arvad?' (It's beautiful weather, or what do you think?). Mastering these patterns allows you to move beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences and engage in real, fluid Estonian conversation. Remember that the verb is always about the content of the thought, not the effort of thinking.

The Negative Past

Ma ei arvanud (I didn't think). Used for correcting past assumptions.

In Estonia, the word arvama is ubiquitous, but its presence is perhaps most celebrated at the annual Arvamusfestival (Opinion Festival) held in the town of Paide. This festival is a high-water mark of Estonian civic culture, where thousands of people gather to discuss everything from climate change to education. Here, the word arvamus (the noun form of arvama) is heard in every sentence. You will hear moderators asking, 'Mida eksperdid sellest arvavad?' (What do the experts think of this?) or participants stating, 'Ma arvan, et me peame rohkem dialoogi pidama' (I think we need to have more dialogue). This event highlights how central 'opining' is to the Estonian identity—it is seen as a civic duty to have a reasoned 'arvamus'. In the media, news anchors frequently use the passive 'Arvatakse, et...' to introduce reports on public sentiment or emerging trends. If you watch the evening news, Aktuaalne Kaamera, you will see interviews where politicians are asked, 'Kuidas te arvate, kas see seadus läheb läbi?' (How do you think, will this law pass?).

In the Workplace

Meetings often start with 'Mida te arvate meie uuest plaanist?' (What do you think of our new plan?).

In Social Settings

Friends use it to discuss movies, music, or food: 'Ma arvan, et see kohvik on liiga kallis'.

In Literature

Authors use it to delve into the internal monologues of characters, distinguishing their beliefs from their actions.

You will also hear arvama in casual street talk, particularly in the phrase 'Arva ära!' which means 'Guess!'. This is a common way to tease information or play games. For example, if a friend has a secret, they might say, 'Arva ära, keda ma täna nägin!' (Guess who I saw today!). This usage leans more toward the 'guess' or 'suppose' side of the verb. In the service industry, a waiter might ask, 'Kuidas teile toit maitses? Mis te arvate?' (How did the food taste? What do you think?). Here, they are seeking your 'arvamus' as feedback. In Estonian schools, teachers encourage students to 'avaldada arvamust' (express an opinion), making it a fundamental part of the education system. The word is so deeply embedded that it even appears in common idioms like 'endast liiga palju arvama' (to think too much of oneself/to be arrogant). If someone is behaving boastfully, a bystander might whisper, 'Ta arvab endast liiga palju'.

Interestingly, in the digital age, arvama has found a new home in online comment sections, which are often called 'arvamusnurk' (opinion corner). Here, the verb is used in its most unfiltered form. However, in polite society, the word remains a tool for moderation. It is rare to hear an Estonian say 'You are wrong' directly; instead, they will say 'Ma arvan, et see ei ole päris nii' (I think that it is not quite so). This linguistic indirectness is powered by arvama. Even in popular music, you'll find lyrics like 'Ma arvasin, et armastus on igavene' (I thought that love is eternal). This use of the past tense arvasin highlights the reflective, often melancholic nature of Estonian pop culture, where previous beliefs are compared with current reality. Whether in a high-stakes political debate or a quiet moment of self-reflection, arvama is the vehicle through which Estonians process their world and share it with others.

In Court

Witnesses are often asked what they 'arvasid' (thought/perceived) during an event.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when learning arvama is confusing it with mõtlema. In English, 'I think' covers both the act of having an opinion ('I think you're right') and the act of mental processing ('I'm thinking about my homework'). In Estonian, these are two distinct verbs. If you say 'Ma mõtlen, et see on hea idee', it sounds like you are currently in the process of contemplating the idea's goodness, rather than expressing a settled opinion. To sound natural, you must use arvama for opinions. Another common error involves the comma before et. In English, we often omit 'that' ('I think it's raining'), but in Estonian, et is mandatory, and it must be preceded by a comma. Writing 'Ma arvan see on hea' is grammatically incorrect and confusing to native speakers. You must write 'Ma arvan, et see on hea'.

Confusion with 'Mõtlema'

Mistake: Using 'mõtlema' for opinions. Correct: Use 'arvama' for 'I think/opine'.

Missing 'Et' and Comma

Mistake: 'Ma arvan täna on soe'. Correct: 'Ma arvan, et täna on soe'.

Incorrect Case Usage

Mistake: Using the nominative after 'arvama' instead of the elative (-st) when expressing 'thinking about something'.

A third major pitfall is the misuse of the elative case. English speakers often want to use the preposition 'umbes' (about) or simply the nominative case when they want to say 'What do you think about...'. They might say 'Mida sa arvad see raamat?'. This is wrong. You must use the elative case: 'Mida sa sellest raamatust arvad?'. This is a difficult hurdle because it requires the learner to decline the noun and any accompanying adjectives. Another subtle mistake is using arvama when you mean uskuma (to believe). While they are similar, uskuma implies a deeper conviction or religious faith, whereas arvama is more about estimation or opinion. Using arvama for a deeply held moral belief can sometimes make you sound less certain than you intend to be. Conversely, using uskuma for a trivial opinion like 'I think it's 5 o'clock' sounds overly dramatic.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the negative past tense. To say 'I didn't think...', you use 'Ma ei arvanud'. Some learners mistakenly use the present negative 'Ma ei arva' when talking about the past. This changes the meaning from 'I didn't think so then' to 'I don't think so now'. Precision with tense is vital because arvama often deals with the correction of assumptions. For example, 'Ma ei arvanud, et sa helistad' (I didn't think you would call) implies surprise. If you say 'Ma ei arva, et sa helistad', it means 'I don't think you will call' (an opinion about the future). These small differences in tense and case can significantly alter the tone and meaning of your Estonian. By paying close attention to the 'et' clause, the elative case, and the distinction from 'mõtlema', you will avoid the most common traps that catch new learners of this essential verb.

Overusing 'Minu arvates'

While correct, starting every sentence with 'Minu arvates' can sound repetitive. Try 'Ma arvan, et...' or 'Mulle tundub, et...' for variety.

While arvama is the most common way to express an opinion, Estonian offers a rich palette of alternatives that allow for greater precision. The most important word to distinguish from arvama is mõtlema. As discussed, mõtlema refers to the cognitive process of thinking, reflecting, or planning. For example, 'Ma mõtlen tuleviku peale' (I am thinking about the future) is a process, whereas 'Ma arvan, et tulevik on valge' (I think the future is bright) is an opinion. Another frequent alternative is uskuma (to believe). This is used when the speaker has more conviction or when the topic is one of faith or trust. 'Ma usun sind' (I believe you) is stronger than 'Ma arvan, et sul on õigus' (I think you are right). In formal or academic contexts, you might use oletama (to suppose/hypothesize). This implies a logical deduction or a temporary assumption for the sake of argument. 'Oletame, et see on tõsi' (Let's suppose that this is true).

Arvama vs Mõtlema

Arvama is for opinions; Mõtlema is for the act of thinking or contemplating.

Arvama vs Uskuma

Arvama is a general opinion; Uskuma is a stronger belief or trust.

Arvama vs Leidma

Leidma (to find) is often used to mean 'to find/consider something to be...'. For example, 'Ma leian, et see on vale' (I find/consider that this is wrong).

Another useful alternative is tunduma (to seem). This is frequently used to make an opinion sound more subjective and less like a definitive claim. 'Mulle tundub, et...' (It seems to me that...) is a very common and polite way to start a sentence. It shifts the focus from your judgment to your perception. For more intellectual or evaluative opinions, you might use hinnata (to evaluate/estimate/appreciate). In a professional context, you might say, 'Ma hindan seda võimalust kõrgelt' (I value/estimate this opportunity highly). If you are talking about 'deeming' or 'considering' something in a specific way, pidama is the verb of choice. 'Ma pean teda targaks' (I consider him smart). This uses the essive case (-ks) and is a more direct way of categorizing someone or something than using arvama. In legal or very formal settings, möönma (to concede/admit) might be used when an opinion is given reluctantly.

Finally, let's look at veendunud olema (to be convinced). This is the highest level of certainty. 'Ma olen veendunud, et see õnnestub' (I am convinced that this will succeed) is far more powerful than 'Ma arvan, et see õnnestub'. By choosing between arvama, mõtlema, uskuma, oletama, tunduma, pidama, and veendunud olema, you can express the exact level of certainty and the nature of your thought process. This nuance is what makes a speaker sound fluent. For a beginner, arvama is the safe, all-purpose 'opinion' verb, but as you progress, these alternatives will help you navigate more complex social and professional landscapes. For instance, in a debate, switching from 'Ma arvan' to 'Ma väidan' (I claim/assert) changes the entire dynamic of your argument. Estonian is a language of subtle shifts, and the world of 'thinking' verbs is one of the best places to see this in action.

Arvama vs Väitma

Arvama is a thought; Väitma is an assertion or claim often used in arguments.