oota
The Estonian word for wait is oota.
To express the concept of delaying an action until a certain event occurs, you use the verb ootama or its various conjugated forms.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on the tense and the person. Ootab is the third person singular present tense form, meaning 'waits' or 'is waiting'. Ootavad is the third person plural present tense form, meaning 'they wait' or 'they are waiting'. If you want to speak in the past tense, ootasin is the first person singular form, meaning 'I waited'.
Did you know?
- The verb ootama can also mean 'to expect' a child, making a sentence like Ta ootab last mean 'She is expecting a child' rather than 'She is waiting for a child'.
- Unlike English, which requires the preposition 'for' to say 'waiting for someone', Estonian conveys this relationship through a case ending on the noun.
- In Estonian, you can use the word oota to express sudden realization, much like an English speaker saying 'wait, I know this!' during a conversation.
Examples in context
- Kaua ma pean ootama?How long do I have to wait?This sentence shows how to use the form oota when asking about duration.Tatoeba #2709666 by Maasikas, translation #953334 by CK
- Oota, oota ainult natuke.Wait, wait just a little while.This sentence uses oota to express a brief command.Tatoeba #11390182 by twentyplus, translation #1235430 by tsayng
- Tom on vihane, sest ta pidi ootama.Tom is mad because he had to wait.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form oota within a past tense context.Tatoeba #11354721 by twentyplus, translation #8544712 by CK
- Oota, ma leian oma sõbradWait, I'll find my friends
- Oodake hetk, palun, kuni ma oma sõpru leianPlease wait a moment while I find my friends
- Palun oodake mind paar minutitPlease wait for me a few minutes
- Oota natuke, palun!Wait a bit, please!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kristjan and Kristiina are standing at a bus stop.
- KristjanKas me peame siin ootama?Do we have to wait here?
- KristiinaJah, oota siin koos minuga.Yes, wait here with me.
- KristjanMa ei taha kaua ootada.I don't want to wait long.
- KristiinaÄra muretse, buss tuleb varsti.Don't worry, the bus is coming soon.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
