Practice Estonian at the Pharmacy
Pharmacies in Estonian-speaking countries are often your first stop for minor health issues — pharmacists give advice that would require a doctor's appointment elsewhere. This scenario teaches you to describe symptoms, ask about over-the-counter options, mention allergies, and understand dosage instructions. You'll practise the body-parts vocabulary, the verbs for 'to hurt' and 'to feel', and the polite formulas for asking 'What would you recommend?'. By the end, you'll feel confident walking into a Estonian-speaking pharmacy alone.
Sample Estonian conversation
Tere! Tere tulemast apteeki. Kuidas saan teid täna aidata?
Hello! Welcome to the pharmacy. How can I help you today?Mul on kohutav peavalu. Mida te soovitate?
I have a terrible headache. What do you recommend?Mul on kahju seda kuulda. Kui kaua teil see olnud on? Ma saan soovitada valuvaigisteid.
I'm sorry to hear that. How long have you had it? I can recommend some painkillers.Hommikust saadik. See ei lähe üle.
Since this morning. It won't go away.Ma soovitan neid tablette. Võtke kaks koos veega ja peaks tunniga leevendust tundma.
I recommend these tablets. Take two with water, and you should feel better within an hour.Ma võtan need. Kui palju need maksavad?
I'll take those. How much are they?
What you'll learn
- Describe symptoms with body-part vocabulary
- Ask for an over-the-counter recommendation
- Mention allergies and existing medications
- Understand dosage and frequency instructions
- Ask whether something requires a prescription
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe pain in Estonian?
There's a specific verb construction — 'My X hurts' — that differs from English. The scenario walks through the body-parts vocabulary too.
Can Estonian-speaking pharmacists prescribe medications?
Many can recommend over-the-counter options but not prescribe. The scenario teaches you to ask 'Do I need a prescription?'.
How do I ask about allergies in Estonian?
Use 'I'm allergic to…' followed by the substance. The vocabulary list includes common allergens (penicillin, peanuts, lactose, etc.).
What's the Estonian for 'twice a day' (medication frequency)?
There are specific dosage phrases that differ from everyday Estonian. The scenario rehearses 'twice a day with food', 'before meals', and 'as needed'.