head reisi
The Estonian phrase for "have a safe trip" is head reisi.
head reisi is used to wish someone a pleasant and secure journey.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "good trip". The word head means "good" and reisi means "trip", both appearing in the partitive case.
Which one should you use?
The standard greeting is head reisi. Although hea reis also translates to "good trip", it is the nominative form and is not used for this specific greeting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words in the phrase head reisi are in the partitive case, which is the standard way to express a wish or a greeting in Estonian.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the nominative form hea reis to wish someone a good trip. Instead, use the partitive form head reisi.
Did you know?
- The word reis shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'ride', reflecting an ancient ancestral connection between the concepts of traveling and riding animals or vehicles.
- While English speakers often use 'safe' to wish someone well, Estonians use the word for 'good', making head reisi feel more about the quality of the experience than the avoidance of danger.
- Estonian uses the partitive case in head reisi because the wish is seen as an 'unbounded' or ongoing state of goodness, rather than a completed event.
Examples in context
- Turvalist reisi! Soovin sulle meeldivat ja turvalist teekonda!Have a safe trip! I wish you a pleasant and safe journey!
- Head reisi! Kirjuta mulle, kui oled tagasi!Have a good trip! Write to me when you're back!
- Head reisi!Have a safe trip!
Example conversation
Kristiina is saying goodbye to Andres at the airport.
- KristiinaHead reisi, Andres!Have a safe trip, Andres!
- AndresTänan väga, Kristiina!Thank you very much, Kristiina!
- KristiinaHelistad mulle, kui jõuð?Will you call me when you arrive?
- AndresJah, ma helistan kindlasti.Yes, I will definitely call.
