võimatu — meaning in English: impossible

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Guess the translation for impossible

koht

alateadlik

võimatu

tõlkima

lahkuma

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers of Estonian often use the word 'võimatu' in everyday conversations to express something that cannot be done or achieved. For instance, if someone is facing an insurmountable challenge at work or attempting a seemingly impossible task, they might exclaim, 'See on võimatu!' to convey their frustration.

Synonyms & nuances

'Võimatu' can be compared to the word 'ebareaalne', which translates to 'unrealistic'. While 'võimatu' emphasizes the absolute impossibility of a situation, 'ebareaalne' suggests something might be theoretically possible but highly unlikely. Use 'võimatu' when you want to be unequivocal about the impossibility of an action.

Culture

The word 'võimatu' has interesting roots in the Estonian language, deriving from the verb 'võima', which means 'to be able' or 'to have power'. In Estonian folklore, many tales revolve around characters who face seemingly 'võimatu' challenges, highlighting the cultural value placed on perseverance and the human spirit in overcoming obstacles.

FAQ

Q.What does 'võimatu' mean in English?

'Võimatu' translates to 'impossible' in English and is used to describe situations or tasks that cannot be done or achieved.

Q.How do you use 'võimatu' in a sentence?

You can use 'võimatu' in various contexts, such as 'See on võimatu' (This is impossible) or 'Ta arvab, et see on võimatu' (He thinks it's impossible).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using 'võimatu'?

A common mistake is to confuse 'võimatu' with 'ebareaalne'. Remember that 'võimatu' should be used for situations that cannot happen at all, while 'ebareaalne' refers to something that is not practical but could theoretically happen.

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Estonian Vocabulary