When talking about one's name in Estonian, you'll often encounter the question "Mis su nimi on?" which means "What is your name?" The response is typically "Minu nimi on [Your Name]" or simply "Olen [Your Name]," both translating to "My name is [Your Name]" or "I am [Your Name]."
The word "nimi" is a noun and follows the standard Estonian case system. For example, to say "to a name," you would use the illative case, "nimesse."
§ What 'nimi' means
- DEFINITION
- The word 'nimi' in Estonian means 'name'. It's a fundamental noun you'll use constantly. Just like in English, it refers to the word or term by which someone or something is known.
§ When to use 'nimi'
You'll use 'nimi' in all the same situations you'd use 'name' in English. This includes:
- Asking for someone's name.
- Introducing yourself or others.
- Referring to the name of a place, object, or concept.
- Talking about your first name, last name, or full name.
Let's look at some common ways 'nimi' is used in everyday Estonian.
Mis su nimi on?
This is perhaps the most common phrase you'll hear and use with 'nimi'. It means 'What is your name?'
Minu nimi on Mari.
And this is how you'd answer: 'My name is Mari.'
See on hea nimi raamatule.
You can also use 'nimi' for things, not just people. This sentence means: 'That is a good name for a book.'
Mis on selle linna nimi?
This translates to: 'What is the name of this city?'
§ Related words and phrases
While 'nimi' directly means 'name', you'll often encounter it in slightly longer phrases that specify what kind of name you're talking about:
- Eesnimi: This means 'first name' or 'given name'. 'Ees' means 'front' or 'before', so it's literally the 'front name'.
- Perekonnanimi: This means 'last name' or 'surname'. 'Perekond' means 'family', so it's the 'family name'.
- Täisnimi: This means 'full name'. 'Täis' means 'full'.
Minu eesnimi on Jaan.
Meaning: 'My first name is Jaan.'
Mis su perekonnanimi on?
Meaning: 'What is your last name?'
§ Practice makes perfect
The best way to get comfortable with 'nimi' is to use it. Try to introduce yourself to imaginary people, or ask about the names of objects around you. The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
Remember, 'nimi' is one of those essential words you'll use daily. Master these basic uses, and you'll be off to a great start in your Estonian journey.
趣味小知识
The word 'nimi' is a cognate with Finnish 'nimi', Hungarian 'név', and Russian 'imya', showcasing deep linguistic connections across different language families.
按水平分级的例句
Mis su nimi on?
What is your name?
Literally: What your name is?
Minu nimi on Mari.
My name is Mari.
Literally: My name is Mari.
Tema nimi on Jaan.
His name is Jaan.
Literally: His name is Jaan.
Mis on sinu nimi?
What is your name? (more formal)
Literally: What is your name?
See on hea nimi.
That is a good name.
Literally: This is good name.
Kas sul on nimi?
Do you have a name?
Literally: Do you have name?
Minu perekonnanimi on Saar.
My last name is Saar.
Literally: My family name is Saar.
Nad küsisid minu nime.
They asked my name.
Literally: They asked my name (genitive case).
词族
名词
动词
形容词
词源
Proto-Finnic *nimi
原始含义： name
Uralic, Finnic branch文化背景
When introducing yourself in Estonia, you'll almost always start with 'Minu nimi on [Your Name]' (My name is [Your Name]). It's a fundamental part of polite introductions and a key phrase for any beginner. Knowing this word is essential for basic social interactions and understanding identity in Estonian culture.
自我测试 12 个问题
Write a short paragraph introducing yourself in Estonian, including your name. (Hint: 'My name is...' is 'Minu nimi on...').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tere! Minu nimi on Mari. Ma olen õpilane.
Imagine you are meeting someone new. Write a short dialogue where you ask for their name and tell them yours. (Hint: 'What is your name?' is 'Mis su nimi on?').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tere! Mis su nimi on? Minu nimi on Jaan.
Write three sentences describing a famous person, mentioning their name. (e.g., 'His name is...').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tema nimi on Arvo Pärt. Ta on helilooja. Tema muusika on ilus.
What is the speaker's name?
Read this passage:
Tere! Minu nimi on Kadri. Ma olen Tallinnast. Ma õpin eesti keelt. Mis sinu nimi on?
What is the speaker's name?
The passage clearly states 'Minu nimi on Kadri,' meaning 'My name is Kadri.'
The passage clearly states 'Minu nimi on Kadri,' meaning 'My name is Kadri.'
What is the name of the dog?
Read this passage:
See on minu koer. Tema nimi on Pontu. Ta on väga sõbralik.
What is the name of the dog?
The passage says 'Tema nimi on Pontu,' which translates to 'His name is Pontu.'
The passage says 'Tema nimi on Pontu,' which translates to 'His name is Pontu.'
What is the name of the bookstore?
Read this passage:
Käisin eile uues raamatupoes. Poel on huvitav nimi: 'Raamatutark'. Mulle meeldis seal väga.
What is the name of the bookstore?
The passage states 'Poel on huvitav nimi: 'Raamatutark',' meaning 'The shop has an interesting name: 'Raamatutark'.'
The passage states 'Poel on huvitav nimi: 'Raamatutark',' meaning 'The shop has an interesting name: 'Raamatutark'.'
This is a basic sentence structure in Estonian: Subject (Koera) + Noun (nimi) + Verb (on) + Predicate (Pontu).
A common question asking 'What is your name?'. 'Mis' for 'What', 'sinu' for 'your', 'nimi' for 'name', 'on' for 'is'.
This translates to 'Her name is Mari.' 'Tema' means 'her' or 'his'.
/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
