Ways to say it
| Estonian | Note |
|---|---|
| kuidas läheb? | |
| kuidas käsi käib? | informal |
kuidas läheb? is the most standard and neutral way to ask "How are you?" in Estonian. Other variations include asking how things are with someone using kuidas sul asjad on? (How are things with you?) or inquiring specifically about someone's day with kuidas Teie päev möödub?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kuidas läheb? is a literal translation of "how goes?" or "how is it going?" The informal phrase kuidas käsi käib? literally translates to "how goes the hand?"
Which one should you use?
'kuidas läheb?' is a standard, neutral way to ask how someone is doing, whereas kuidas käsi käib? is more colloquial.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
kuidas käsi käib? is an informal, colloquial expression used among friends, similar to "how's it going" or "how's it hanging?" in English.
When do people say it?
A common, natural response to these greetings is hästi, aitäh. (well, thanks).
Did you know?
- When answering kuidas läheb?, an Estonian might respond with elame which literally means 'we are living'.
- In formal settings, Estonians may skip the 'how are you' phase entirely and move straight to the purpose of the conversation to avoid appearing overly intrusive.
- The Estonian word käsi shares a common ancestor with the Hungarian word 'kéz'.
Examples in context
- Tere! Kuidas läheb?Hello! How are you?
- Hei, kuidas läheb?Hi, how's it going?
Example conversation
Kristiina meets her friend Andres on the street.
- KristiinaHei, Andres! Kuidas läheb?Hi, Andres! How are you?
- AndresTere, Kristiina! Mul läheb hästi.Hello, Kristiina! I am doing well.
- KristiinaSee on hea kuulda.That is good to hear.
- AndresAitäh! Kuidas sinul läheb?Thanks! How are you doing?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how are you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries käsi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
