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A1 verb 12 min read

müüma

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips müüma in 30 Seconds

Explanation müüma in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'müüma' is one of the most important verbs to learn for basic survival. You will use it to understand what is happening in shops and markets. You should focus on the present tense 'ma müün' (I sell) and the simple question 'Kas te müüte...?' (Do you sell...?). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar; just knowing that 'müüma' means selling and 'ostma' means buying is enough to get through a day at the market. You will also see 'Müüa' on signs, which simply means something is for sale. This is a vital word for navigating the physical environment in Estonia. You should practice identifying this word on price tags and advertisements.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'müüma' in more complete sentences, incorporating the past tense 'müüsin' and basic object cases. You should understand that the thing you are selling is usually in the partitive case for general statements ('Ma müün riideid') and the genitive case for specific completed actions ('Ma müüsin oma vana telefoni maha'). You will also start to use the 'eest' construction to talk about prices: 'Müüsin selle kümne euro eest'. This level requires you to handle simple transactional dialogues, such as asking a vendor at a fair about their products and prices.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the 'ma' and 'da' infinitive distinction. You will use 'müüma' after verbs like 'pidama' (must) and 'hakkama' (to start), and 'müüa' after 'tahtma' (to want) and 'saama' (to be able to). You will also start using the passive form 'müüakse' (it is sold) more naturally. At this stage, you can describe your experience selling things online or discuss simple economic topics. You should also be aware of common phrasal verbs like 'maha müüma' (to sell off) and 'läbi müüma' (to sell out). Your vocabulary will expand to include related nouns like 'müüja' (seller) and 'müük' (sale).

At the B2 level, 'müüma' becomes a tool for discussing business and professional life. You will use it to talk about marketing strategies, sales targets, and corporate transactions. You should be able to use the conditional mood ('ma müüksin') to discuss hypothetical scenarios. You will also start to encounter metaphorical uses of the word, such as 'selling an idea' or 'selling one's soul'. Your understanding of object cases should be near-perfect, and you should be able to distinguish between 'müüma' and more formal alternatives like 'turustama' or 'realiseerima'. You can participate in debates about consumerism and the economy using this verb fluently.

At the C1 level, you use 'müüma' with complete idiomatic and stylistic control. You understand the subtle difference between 'müüma' and 'kaubitsema' (to trade/peddle) and can use them to convey specific tones. You are comfortable with complex grammatical structures involving the verb, such as the various participles ('müüdav', 'müüv'). You can read and analyze economic texts where 'müüma' is used in abstract contexts, such as 'selling a political vision'. Your use of the verb is nuanced, reflecting an understanding of Estonian social registers and cultural connotations. You can handle high-pressure sales environments or legal discussions involving the transfer of property.

At the C2 level, 'müüma' is a word you can manipulate for any purpose, from poetic expression to technical legal precision. You understand its deep etymological roots and how it relates to other Finno-Ugric languages. You can use the verb in highly abstract philosophical discussions about the nature of value and exchange. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and can use the word to create sophisticated puns or rhetorical devices. Your mastery is such that you can intuitively choose between 'müüma', 'loovutama', and 'võõrandama' in a legal contract, or use 'müüma' in a literary context to evoke a specific historical era of Estonian trade.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

müüma in 30 Seconds

The basic Estonian verb for 'to sell', used in all commercial and social contexts.
Requires careful choice between the 'ma' and 'da' infinitives depending on the sentence structure.
Often used with the particle 'maha' to indicate a completed sale or 'selling off'.
Fundamental for A1 learners to navigate markets, shops, and advertisements in Estonia.

The Estonian verb müüma is a foundational element of the Estonian language, primarily corresponding to the English verb 'to sell'. At its core, it describes the act of transferring ownership of goods, services, or property to another person in exchange for money. However, in the Estonian linguistic landscape, müüma carries nuances that reflect the country's transition from a historical agrarian society to a modern digital economy. It is not merely a commercial term but a social one, used in every context from the traditional turg (market) to high-level corporate negotiations.

Etymological Root: The word is of Finno-Ugric origin, sharing cognates with the Finnish 'myydä'. This suggests that the concept of trading and selling is deeply embedded in the ancient history of the Baltic Sea region.

When you walk through the streets of Tallinn or Tartu, you will see this word everywhere, often in its short 'da-infinitive' form, müüa, which functions as a signifier for 'For Sale'. This distinction between the 'ma-infinitive' and 'da-infinitive' is crucial for learners.

Ma tahan seda vana jalgratast müüma hakata, sest mul ei ole seda enam vaja.

In modern usage, müüma is also used metaphorically. One might 'sell' an idea to a colleague or 'sell' oneself during a job interview, though Estonians tend to be more reserved and might use 'veenma' (to convince) in more formal settings. Understanding müüma also requires understanding its counterpart, ostma (to buy). These two verbs form the binary of Estonian commerce.

The Passive Form: The form 'müüakse' (it is sold / they sell) is extremely common on menus and in shops to indicate what products are available. For example, 'Siin müüakse värsket leiba' means 'Fresh bread is sold here'.

Furthermore, the verb is often paired with the particle maha (down/off) to create the phrasal verb maha müüma, which specifically means 'to sell off' or 'to sell out', often implying a completed transaction where the item is now gone.

Ta müüs oma korteri maha ja kolis maale elama.

This verb is central to the A1 level because it allows learners to navigate basic economic interactions, ask for prices, and understand signs in a retail environment. Whether you are at a Christmas market in Raekoja plats or browsing an online marketplace like OKIDOKI, the verb müüma will be your primary tool for understanding the exchange of value. Historically, the act of selling in Estonia was tied to the seasons and the harvest, and while the technology has changed, the linguistic root remains a bridge to the past.

Social Register: While 'müüma' is neutral, using it in the context of 'selling out' one's principles uses the same verb, showing its versatility in expressing moral as well as financial transactions.

Kas te müüte ka postmarke?

In conclusion, mastering müüma is not just about learning a verb; it is about accessing the commercial heart of Estonian life, understanding the difference between process and result, and learning how to navigate the grammatical complexities of Estonian infinitives.

Using müüma correctly in Estonian sentences requires a grasp of several grammatical concepts, specifically conjugation, infinitive choice, and object cases. As an 'ma-infinitive' verb, its stem is müü-. In the present tense, we add personal endings: müün (I sell), müüd (you sell), müüb (he/she sells). The simplicity of the present tense makes it easy for A1 learners to start forming basic sentences.

The Object Case Dilemma: The most common mistake for English speakers is the object case. If you are selling 'some' of something or the action is ongoing, use the partitive case. 'Ma müün lilli' (I am selling flowers). If you are selling a specific, whole item and the action is completed, the genitive case is often required, usually paired with 'maha'. 'Ma müüsin oma auto maha' (I sold my car).

Me müüme turul värskeid maasikaid ja herneid.

When expressing the intention to sell, the choice between müüma and müüa is vital. Use müüma after 'pidama' (must) or 'hakkama' (to start). 'Ma pean selle maja maha müüma' (I must sell this house). Use müüa after 'tahtma' (to want) or 'saama' (to be able to). 'Ma tahan seda raamatut müüa' (I want to sell this book). This 'ma/da' distinction is a hallmark of Estonian grammar that müüma perfectly illustrates.

Price and Currency: To specify the price, use the word 'eest' (for) with the genitive case. 'Ma müüsin selle kümne euro eest' (I sold it for ten euros). Alternatively, you can use the adessive case (-l) for 'at a price': 'Müüsin selle odaval hinnal'.

Kas sa oled kunagi midagi internetis müünud?

In more complex sentences, müüma can be used in the conditional mood to express hypothetical sales: 'Kui mul oleks raha, ma ei müüks oma hinge' (If I had money, I wouldn't sell my soul). This shows how the verb scales from A1 shopping trips to C2 philosophical discussions. Another important aspect is the use of 'müüma' in the context of shops being the subject. 'See pood müüb ainult ökokaupu' (This shop sells only eco-goods). Here, the shop is personified as the seller.

Nad müüvad piletid poole hinnaga.

The Imperative: The command form is 'müü!' (sell!). While rarely used to customers, it is common in sales training or urgent business contexts: 'Müü see kiiresti maha!' (Sell it off quickly!).

Ära müü oma unistusi odavalt.

By understanding these patterns, learners can move beyond simple translation and start thinking in Estonian structures, where the relationship between the seller, the buyer, and the object is clearly defined by case endings.

You will encounter müüma in a variety of real-world Estonian environments, ranging from the most traditional to the most modern. One of the most common places is the local turg (market). In places like Tallinn's Balti Jaama Turg, vendors will shout about what they are selling. You might hear, 'Müüme parimaid eestimaisid õunu!' (We sell the best Estonian apples!). In this context, the word is associated with freshness, seasonality, and direct interaction.

Real Estate and Classifieds: The most frequent written form you will see is 'Müüa', the da-infinitive. It is plastered on windows of apartments, on the windshields of used cars, and as the primary heading on websites like KV.ee or City24.ee. In these contexts, it is a call to action for potential buyers.

Silt aia peal ütles: 'Kinnistu müüa'.

In the digital realm, Estonian e-commerce is thriving. On platforms like Yaga or Facebook Marketplace, the verb müüma is used in descriptions: 'Müün vähekantud riideid' (Selling lightly worn clothes). Here, the word is part of a peer-to-peer economy that is very popular among Estonians who value sustainability and recycling.

News and Media: In economic news broadcasts (like ERR's 'Aktuaalne Kaamera'), you will hear about companies selling their shares or Estonia selling its services abroad. 'Eesti ettevõtted müüvad oma tooteid üle maailma' (Estonian companies sell their products worldwide). This elevates the word to a macro-economic level.

Uudistes räägiti, et riik müüb oma osaluse firmas.

In social settings, you might hear friends discussing their possessions. 'Ma ei raatsi seda autot maha müüa' (I can't bring myself to sell this car off). The use of 'raatama' (to have the heart to) with 'müüma' shows the emotional weight that can be attached to selling personal items. In the professional world, 'müüma' is the core of 'müügiosakond' (sales department) and 'müügijuht' (sales manager). If you work in an Estonian office, you will hear these terms daily.

Kas te müüte seda komplekti ka osade kaupa?

Cultural Events: During the 'Laulupidu' (Song Festival), you will hear the word constantly as vendors sell traditional food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It becomes a rhythmic part of the festival atmosphere.

Piletid müüdi läbi vaid kümne minutiga.

By paying attention to these different contexts, you will see that müüma is a versatile, high-frequency word that connects the financial, social, and cultural aspects of Estonian life.

For English speakers learning Estonian, müüma presents several pitfalls that can lead to confusion or grammatical errors. The most common mistake involves the 'ma' and 'da' infinitives. In English, we simply say 'to sell'. In Estonian, you must choose between müüma and müüa based on the preceding verb.

The Infinitive Error: Learners often say 'Ma tahan müüma' (incorrect) instead of 'Ma tahan müüa' (correct). Remember: 'tahtma' (to want) always takes the 'da-infinitive'. Conversely, 'Ma hakkan müüa' is wrong; it must be 'Ma hakkan müüma' (I will start selling).

Viga: Ma pean oma auto müüa. Õige: Ma pean oma auto müüma.

Another major hurdle is the object case. In English, the object 'car' doesn't change whether you are selling it or have sold it. In Estonian, 'Ma müün autot' (partitive) implies you are in the process of selling it or sell cars in general. 'Ma müüsin auto' (genitive) implies you sold the specific car. Using the wrong case can change the meaning or make the sentence sound 'broken'.

Case Confusion with Price: Learners often forget the 'eest' (for) or use the wrong case for the currency. It's not 'müüma viis eurot', but 'müüma viie euro eest'. The currency must be in the genitive case before 'eest'.

Viga: Ta müüs maja miljon eurot. Õige: Ta müüs maja miljoni euro eest.

There is also the issue of the phrasal verb maha müüma. In English, we might just say 'I sold my house'. In Estonian, if you omit 'maha', the sentence 'Ma müüsin oma maja' is grammatically correct but sounds slightly incomplete to a native ear, as 'maha' emphasizes the finality of the sale.

The 'To' Preposition: Do not use 'to' equivalents like 'kuni'. Use the allative case (-le). 'Müüsin selle mehele' (I sold it to the man). Using 'Müüsin selle mehele' incorrectly as 'Müüsin selle mehega' (with the man) is a frequent error.

Viga: Kas sa müüd seda minuga? Õige: Kas sa müüd seda mulle?

Finally, avoid overusing müüma in contexts where 'pakkuma' (to offer) is more appropriate. If a waiter asks if they can 'sell' you some wine, it sounds very transactional; 'pakkuma' is the polite choice in service. By being mindful of these infinitives, cases, and social nuances, you will avoid the most common errors and speak more like a native.

While müüma is the most direct word for 'to sell', Estonian offers several alternatives depending on the register and the specific nature of the transaction. Understanding these synonyms will enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication.

Pakkuma (to offer): In many service contexts, 'pakkuma' is used instead of 'müüma'. A cafe 'offers' coffee rather than just 'selling' it. It sounds more hospitable and less purely commercial. 'Me pakume laia valikut jooke'.

See pood pakub täna suuri allahindlusi.

Another common alternative is turustama, which means 'to market' or 'to commercialize'. This is a more formal, business-oriented term used when discussing the strategy of selling a product rather than the individual transaction. 'Ettevõte turustab oma tooteid peamiselt Skandinaavias'.

Realiseerima (to realize/liquidate): This word is used in business to mean selling off stock, often at a discount, to clear inventory. It is more clinical and structural than 'müüma'.

Kauplus peab vana kauba kiiresti realiseerima.

For those interested in the 'selling out' metaphor, reetma (to betray) is often the more accurate word when someone 'sells out' their friends or country. However, 'müüma' can still be used for dramatic effect: 'Ta müüs oma au' (He sold his honor). In the context of vending machines or automated systems, you might see väljastama (to issue/dispense), though 'müüma' is still used for the transaction part.

Vahetama (to exchange): Sometimes a sale is actually an exchange. If no money is involved, 'vahetama' is the correct term. 'Ma vahetasin oma raamatu šokolaadi vastu'.

Kas me saaksime neid kaupu vahetada?

Finally, the word loovutama (to hand over/cede) can be used for selling something you feel strongly about, like 'loovutama oma osalust' (ceding one's share). By learning these alternatives, you move from a basic A1 level of 'I sell thing' to a more nuanced B2/C1 level where you can describe the specific nature of the exchange. Whether it's the hospitality of 'pakkuma' or the strategic 'turustama', each word adds a layer of color to your Estonian.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Ettevõte kavatseb oma tütarfirma võõrandada ja varad müüa."

Neutral

"Kas te müüte selles poes ka ajakirju?"

Informal

"Müüd oma vana rämpsu maha või?"

Child friendly

"Kas sa tahad oma mänguasja mulle ühe kommi eest müüa?"

Slang

"Ta müüs mu mentidele maha."

Fun Fact

In many Finno-Ugric languages, the words for 'selling' and 'giving' are historically linked, showing that early societies viewed trade as a form of reciprocal giving. The Estonian 'müüma' has remained remarkably stable for thousands of years.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmyː.mɑ/

US /ˈmyː.mɑ/

The primary stress is always on the first syllable: MÜÜ-ma.

Rhymes With

hüüdma (to call) püüdma (to catch) sööma (to eat - near rhyme) lööma (to hit - near rhyme) tüürima (to steer) küürima (to scrub) nüüd (now - root rhyme) süü (fault - root rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'üü' as 'u' (like 'mooma').
Pronouncing 'üü' as a short 'ü' (müma).
Putting stress on the second syllable (müü-MA).
Confusing the vowel with 'öö' (mööma).
Failing to hold the 'üü' long enough.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and very common on signs like 'Müüa'. Very easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of the 'ma/da' infinitive choice and object cases (partitive vs genitive).

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the long 'üü' can be tricky for English speakers, but the conjugation is regular.

Listening 2/5

Easily heard in shops and markets, though the passive 'müüakse' might sound different at first.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

raha (money) pood (shop) ostma (to buy) hind (price) mina (I)

Learn Next

vahetama (to exchange) pakkuma (to offer) maksma (to pay/cost) klient (customer) tšekk (receipt)

Advanced

turustama (to market) realiseerima (to realize assets) võõrandama (to alienate/transfer property) kaubitsema (to trade/peddle) vahendama (to broker)

Grammar to Know

Ma-infinitive vs Da-infinitive

Ma pean müüma (ma) vs Ma tahan müüa (da).

Object Cases (Partitive vs Genitive)

Müün lilli (partitive - plural) vs Müüsin auto (genitive - singular result).

Allative Case for Recipient

Müün selle sõbrale (-le).

Price Construction with 'eest'

Müüsin selle viie euro eest.

Passive Present (Impersonal)

Siin müüakse (it is sold).

Examples by Level

Ma müün saia.

I sell white bread.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Kas te müüte piima?

Do you (plural/formal) sell milk?

Question form using the 2nd person plural.

See pood müüb lilli.

This shop sells flowers.

3rd person singular present.

Müüa auto.

Car for sale.

Da-infinitive used as a label.

Nad müüvad õunu.

They sell apples.

3rd person plural present.

Ma tahan seda müüa.

I want to sell this.

Da-infinitive after 'tahtma'.

Me müüme pileteid.

We sell tickets.

1st person plural present.

Siin müüakse jäätist.

Ice cream is sold here.

Passive present form.

Ma müüsin oma jalgratta maha.

I sold my bicycle off.

Past tense with the particle 'maha'.

Ta müüs raamatu viie euro eest.

He/she sold the book for five euros.

Price construction using 'eest'.

Me hakkame homme turul mett müüma.

We will start selling honey at the market tomorrow.

Ma-infinitive after 'hakkama'.

Kas sa müüsid kõik piletid ära?

Did you sell all the tickets?

Past tense with the particle 'ära'.

Nad müüsid oma maja sõbrale.

They sold their house to a friend.

Allative case for the buyer.

Ma ei taha oma vana arvutit müüa.

I don't want to sell my old computer.

Negative sentence with da-infinitive.

Mida te siin müüte?

What are you selling here?

Interrogative pronoun with the verb.

Ta müüb väga häid kooke.

He/she sells very good cakes.

Adverb modifying the object.

Ma pean selle korteri maha müüma, et võlgu tasuda.

I must sell this apartment to pay off debts.

Ma-infinitive after 'pidama'.

See toode müüb end ise.

This product sells itself.

Reflexive use of the verb.

Piletid müüdi läbi poole tunniga.

The tickets were sold out in half an hour.

Impersonal past with the particle 'läbi'.

Kas on raske oma ideid teistele müüa?

Is it hard to sell your ideas to others?

Metaphorical use of 'müüa'.

Meie ettevõte müüb tarkvara välismaale.

Our company sells software abroad.

Business context.

Ta on sündinud müüja, ta oskab kõike müüa.

He is a born seller; he knows how to sell everything.

Noun derivative 'müüja'.

Ma ei kavatse oma põhimõtteid müüa.

I do not intend to sell my principles.

Abstract object 'põhimõtted'.

Müües neid tooteid, teenime me kasumit.

By selling these products, we earn a profit.

Gerund form 'müües'.

Kui turg langeb, siis on raske aktsiaid müüa.

If the market falls, it is hard to sell shares.

Economic context.

Ta müüs oma hinge kuradile.

He sold his soul to the devil.

Idiomatic expression.

Me peame leidma uusi viise, kuidas oma teenust turustada ja müüa.

We must find new ways to market and sell our service.

Pairing 'turustama' and 'müüa'.

See raamat on juba ammu läbi müüdud.

This book has been sold out for a long time.

Past participle 'müüdud'.

Kas sa suudaksid mulle selle pliiatsi maha müüa?

Could you sell me this pen?

Conditional mood 'suudaksid'.

Nad müüvad oma kaupa hulgihinnaga.

They sell their goods at wholesale prices.

Compound word 'hulgihinnaga'.

Eesti riik müüb oma osaluse energeetikafirmas.

The Estonian state is selling its share in the energy company.

Formal political context.

Ära lase end nii odavalt maha müüa.

Don't let yourself be sold off so cheaply.

Reflexive passive-like structure.

Ta müüs oma vaated maha kohe, kui talle pakuti kõrgemat kohta.

He sold out his views as soon as he was offered a higher position.

Metaphorical use of 'maha müüma'.

Seda kinnistut on püütud juba aastaid edutult müüa.

They have tried to sell this property unsuccessfully for years.

Perfect tense with 'püütud'.

Müügiagent peab valdama veenmiskunsti.

A sales agent must master the art of persuasion.

Genitive form 'müügi-' in a compound.

Kogu partii realiseeriti oksjoni korras.

The entire batch was realized (sold) via auction.

Formal synonym 'realiseeriti'.

Turul müüdav kaup peab vastama kvaliteedinõuetele.

The goods sold on the market must meet quality requirements.

Present passive participle 'müüdav'.

Ta ei müünud mitte ainult toodet, vaid ka elustiili.

He sold not just a product, but a lifestyle.

Abstract marketing concept.

Kas me üldse tohime neid andmeid kolmandatele isikutele müüa?

Are we even allowed to sell this data to third parties?

Legal/Ethical context.

Müügisurve börsil on viimastel päevadel kasvanud.

Selling pressure on the stock exchange has increased in recent days.

Compound 'müügisurve'.

Autor keeldus oma teose autoriõigusi müümast.

The author refused to sell the copyrights of his work.

Elative case of the ma-infinitive after 'keelduma'.

See on klassikaline juhtum, kus eetika müüakse maha kasumi nimel.

This is a classic case where ethics are sold out for the sake of profit.

Passive voice in a philosophical context.

Võõrandamislepinguga müüdi kogu ettevõtte vara.

All the company's assets were sold with a transfer agreement.

Highly formal legal context.

Kas on võimalik müüa midagi, mis ei kuulu kellelegi?

Is it possible to sell something that belongs to no one?

Philosophical inquiry.

Ta on oma hinge nii paljudele müünud, et tal pole seda enam järel.

He has sold his soul to so many that he has none left.

Complex perfect tense usage.

Müügi- ja ostutehingute rägastikus on kerge eksida.

It is easy to get lost in the maze of buy and sell transactions.

Metaphorical 'rägastik'.

Riiklikud institutsioonid ei tohiks oma usaldusväärsust maha müüa.

State institutions should not sell off their credibility.

Political ethics.

Me müüme oma aega, et osta asju, mida meil pole vaja.

We sell our time to buy things we don't need.

Existential critique.

Common Collocations

maha müüma

kallilt müüma

odavalt müüma

läbi müüma

interneti kaudu müüma

osade kaupa müüma

järelmaksuga müüma

hulgimüügiga tegelema

müügiks pakutav

hinge maha müüma

Common Phrases

Müüa korter

— Apartment for sale. Common in real estate ads.

Müüa korter Tallinna kesklinnas.

Müüa auto

— Car for sale. Found on car windows.

Müüa auto, helista numbril 555...

Kas te müüte...?

— Do you sell...? Standard shopping question.

Kas te müüte siin ka ajalehti?

Maha müüdud!

— Sold! Often used by an auctioneer or when a deal is done.

Maha müüdud! Palju õnne uuele omanikule.

Läbi müüdud

— Sold out. Seen on event posters.

Kõik piletid on kahjuks läbi müüdud.

Müügiks ei ole

— Not for sale. Used for display items.

See maal on näituse osa, see müügiks ei ole.

Hulgimüügis on odavam

— It's cheaper in wholesale. Common economic advice.

Osta kümme tükki, hulgimüügis on odavam.

Müüma hakkama

— To start selling. Indicates future plans.

Ma kogun asju ja hakkan neid laadal müüma.

Müüma pidama

— To have to sell. Indicates necessity.

Ta pidi oma maja maha müüma, sest tal oli raha vaja.

Mida siin müüakse?

— What is sold here? General inquiry.

Vabandust, mida siin telgis müüakse?

Often Confused With

müüma vs ostma

The opposite (to buy). Beginners often swap them.

müüma vs maksma

To cost or to pay. Related to selling but a different action.

müüma vs müüja

The noun (seller) vs the verb (müüma).

Idioms & Expressions

"Hinge maha müüma"

— To sell one's soul. To give up principles for profit.

Ta müüs oma hinge poliitilise karjääri nimel maha.

metaphorical

"Kassi kotis müüma"

— To sell a pig in a poke. To sell something without letting the buyer see it.

Ära osta seda autot proovisõiduta, sa müüd endale kassi kotis.

informal

"Müüma nagu sooje saiu"

— To sell like hot cakes. To sell very quickly.

Uus iPhone müüb nagu soojad saiad.

informal

"End maha müüma"

— To sell oneself out. To compromise one's integrity.

Kunstnik ei tahtnud end reklaamiagentuurile maha müüa.

neutral

"Maha müüma kedagi"

— To betray someone (sell them out).

Ta müüs oma sõbrad politseile maha.

slang

"Müüma õhku"

— To sell air. To sell something worthless or non-existent.

See konsultant müüb lihtsalt õhku, tal pole mingeid teadmisi.

informal

"Müüma unistust"

— To sell a dream. To market something based on hope rather than reality.

Reklaamid müüvad meile sageli kättesaamatut unistust.

literary

"Müüma end kallilt"

— To value oneself highly in a negotiation.

Tööintervjuul pead sa oskama end kallilt müüa.

business

"Müüma oma nahka"

— To sell one's skin. To work very hard for money, often in a physical or dangerous sense.

Kaevurid müüvad oma nahka iga päev sügaval maa all.

literary

"Müüma maha oma vanaema"

— To sell one's grandmother. To be willing to do anything for money.

Ta on nii ahne, et müüks kas või oma vanaema maha.

informal/humorous

Easily Confused

müüma vs müüma

Looks like 'müüa'.

'Müüma' is the ma-infinitive used after 'hakkama' or 'pidama'. 'Müüa' is the da-infinitive used after 'tahtma' or on signs.

Ma tahan müüa, aga ma pean müüma.

müüma vs müüma

Sounds like 'mööma' (not a word, but close to 'mööda').

'Müüma' is about selling; 'mööda' is a preposition meaning 'past/by'.

Ma kõndisin poest mööda, kus müüdi saia.

müüma vs müüma

Confused with 'muutma' (to change).

'Müüma' is selling; 'muutma' is changing something's form or state.

Ma ei taha oma hinda muuta, ma tahan asja müüa.

müüma vs müüma

Confused with 'müristama' (to thunder).

Only similar in the first letter; very different meanings.

Taevas müristas, kui ma hakkasin autot müüma.

müüma vs müüma

Confused with 'müts'.

'Müüma' is a verb; 'müts' is a noun (hat).

Ma müün oma vana mütsi.

Sentence Patterns

Mina müün [Object in Partitive].

Mina müün piima.

Kas te müüte [Object in Partitive]?

Kas te müüte leiba?

Ma müüsin [Object in Genitive] maha.

Ma müüsin oma ratta maha.

Ma müün [Object] [Price] eest.

Ma müün selle kümne euro eest.

Ma tahan [Object] müüa.

Ma tahan oma korterit müüa.

Siin müüakse [Object in Partitive].

Siin müüakse värskeid puuvilju.

Kui mul oleks [Object], ma müüksin selle maha.

Kui mul oleks jaht, ma müüksin selle maha.

[Object] on juba ammu läbi müüdud.

Kõik eksemplarid on juba ammu läbi müüdud.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high. Essential vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Ma tahan müüma. → Ma tahan müüa.
After 'tahtma' (to want), you must use the da-infinitive 'müüa'.
Müüsin auto viis eurot. → Müüsin auto viie euro eest.
Price requires the genitive case + 'eest'.
Ma müün autoga. → Ma müün autot.
The item sold should be in the partitive (autot) or genitive (auto), not the comitative (autoga - with a car).
Müüsin selle minu sõbrale. → Müüsin selle oma sõbrale.
Use the reflexive 'oma' (one's own) when the subject is the owner.
Ma hakkan müüa. → Ma hakkan müüma.
After 'hakkama' (to start), you must use the ma-infinitive 'müüma'.

Tips

Master the 'Maha'

In Estonian, 'maha müüma' is the most natural way to say you've sold a specific item. Without 'maha', it can sound like you are a professional seller of that item rather than just selling one personal thing.

Learn 'Ostma' Simultaneously

Since buying and selling are two sides of the same coin, learn 'ostma' (to buy) at the same time. They follow similar conjugation patterns and are often used together in dialogues.

Round Your Lips

The 'üü' sound is the hardest part for English speakers. Make sure your lips are tightly rounded to get that distinct Estonian sound. If you don't round them, it will sound like 'ee'.

Check the Signs

When walking in Estonia, look for 'Müüa' on houses or cars. It's the best real-world practice for recognizing the da-infinitive form of the verb.

Use 'Pakkuma' for Politeness

If you are in a service role, use 'pakkuma' (to offer) instead of 'müüma'. It sounds much more professional and polite to customers.

Selling Ideas

Don't be afraid to use 'müüma' for selling ideas or concepts. It works exactly like in English, but keep it for informal or business contexts.

The Price Case

Always remember that the currency goes in the genitive case before 'eest'. 'Viie euro eest', not 'viis eurot eest'.

Market Culture

Estonians love markets. Knowing 'müüma' and 'ostma' will make your experience at a local 'turg' much more authentic and enjoyable.

Online Marketplaces

Browse Estonian sites like Yaga or OKIDOKI to see how regular people use the verb 'müüma' in their descriptions.

Passive Voice

The form 'müüakse' is very common. Learn it early to understand signs and menus that list what is currently available.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'M' in 'Müüma' as 'Money coming in' for the seller. Also, the double 'üü' looks like two people standing at a market stall.

Visual Association

Imagine a bright red sign in an Estonian shop window that says 'MÜÜA'. Visualize a person handing over a loaf of bread and receiving coins in return.

Word Web

ostma raha pood turg kaup hind müüja ostja

Challenge

Go to an Estonian marketplace (online or physical) and find three items listed with the word 'Müüa'. Write down what they are and their price using the 'eest' construction.

Word Origin

The word 'müüma' is of ancient Finno-Ugric origin. It stems from the Proto-Finnic root *müüdäk. It is closely related to the Finnish 'myydä', Karelian 'myvvä', and Veps 'müda'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was likely 'to give' or 'to exchange', which evolved into the specific commercial sense of 'selling' as trade became more formalized.

Uralic -> Finno-Ugric -> Finnic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'müüma' metaphorically about people; it can imply betrayal or corruption, just like in English.

In English, we use 'sell' for both the process and the result. In Estonian, remember to use 'maha' to emphasize that the item is gone (sold off).

The play 'Müügimehe surm' (Death of a Salesman) by Arthur Miller is well-known in Estonia. Estonian startup culture often uses 'müüma' when discussing 'selling' the country as a digital hub. Traditional songs often mention 'kaubitsemine' (trading/selling) at historic fairs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the Market (Turul)

Mida te müüte?
Kas te müüte mett?
Müün värskeid marju.
Müüme odavalt!

Online Shopping (Internetis)

Müün kasutatud riideid.
Kas see on veel müüa?
Müün poole hinnaga.
Müüdud!

Real Estate (Kinnisvara)

Müüa korter.
Omanik müüb maja.
Müüa kiiresti!
Kinnistu on müügis.

Business (Äri)

Me müüme tarkvara.
Müügiosakond töötab hästi.
Müüki on vaja suurendada.
Müüme teenust tellimuse alusel.

Social/Idiomatic

Ära müü oma sõpru maha.
Ta müüb lihtsalt õhku.
Müü end kallilt!
Müüsin oma hinge.

Conversation Starters

"Kas sa oled kunagi midagi internetis müünud?"

"Mida on kõige raskem müüa?"

"Kas sa eelistad asju osta või müüa?"

"Kui sa peaksid oma auto maha müüma, siis mis hinnaga?"

"Kas sa oskaksid mulle selle pliiatsi maha müüa?"

Journal Prompts

Kirjelda oma kogemust, kui sa müüsid midagi, mis oli sulle kallis.

Mida sa tahaksid oma elus maha müüa ja miks?

Kas sa arvad, et kõike on võimalik raha eest müüa?

Kirjelda ühte päeva müüjana turul.

Millised on head omadused inimesel, kes oskab hästi müüa?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Use 'müüma' after verbs like 'hakkama' (to start) and 'pidama' (must). Use 'müüa' after 'tahtma' (to want), 'saama' (to can), or on 'For Sale' signs. This is the difference between the ma-infinitive and the da-infinitive in Estonian grammar.

Use the partitive case for ongoing or general selling (e.g., 'müün lilli'). Use the genitive case for a specific, completed sale, usually with the word 'maha' (e.g., 'müüsin auto maha').

Use the allative case (-le) for the person: 'Müüsin selle talle'. 'Ta' becomes 'talle' in the allative case.

It literally means 'to sell down', but it translates to 'to sell off'. It emphasizes that the item has been sold and is no longer in your possession.

Yes, 'müüma' follows the standard conjugation pattern for verbs with a long vowel stem. The past tense and present tense endings are very predictable.

You usually ask 'Mis hinnaga te seda müüte?' (At what price do you sell this?) or 'Mis see maksab?' (What does it cost?).

Yes, just like in English, 'maha müüma' can be used slangily to mean betraying someone or selling out your friends or country.

'Müük' is the noun (sale), and 'müüma' is the verb (to sell). For example, 'Suur müük' (Big sale) vs 'Ma müün asju' (I am selling things).

You say 'läbi müüdud'. 'Läbi' means 'through' or 'completely' in this context.

Yes, you can 'müüma teenust' (sell a service) or 'müüma tarkvara' (sell software), not just physical objects.