Talking about the weather
The question is Mis ilm täna on? (“What’s the weather like today?”). Answers use on: Täna on ilus ilm, täna on külm, soe, kuum.
For rain and snow use the verb sadama (“to fall”), with the precipitation in the partitive: sajab vihma — it’s raining, sajab lund — it’s snowing. The sun and wind have their own verbs: päike paistab, tuul puhub.
Temperature: viis kraadi sooja — plus five, viis kraadi külma — minus five.
| Word | Meaning | How to say it |
|---|---|---|
| vihm | rain | Sajab vihma. |
| lumi | snow | Sajab lund. |
| päike | sun | Päike paistab. |
| tuul | wind | Tuul puhub. |
| pilv | cloud | On pilves. |
Examples
- Täna on ilus ilm.
- The weather is nice today.
- Väljas sajab lund.
- It’s snowing outside.
- Päike paistab, aga tuul on külm.
- The sun is shining, but the wind is cold.
- Homme on kümme kraadi sooja.
- Tomorrow it will be plus ten.
- Talvel on Eestis külm.
- In winter it’s cold in Estonia.
Common mistakes
- sajab vihma, not “sajab vihm”: after sadama the precipitation is partitive (vihm → vihma, lumi → lund).
- Mul on külm — “I’m cold”; “Ma olen külm” means “I am a cold person”.
- ilm is weather, aeg is time: Mis ilm täna on?