I'm learning eesti

tulema — meaning in English: to come

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to come
tulevik
tulema
tõhus
õnnistus
tunne
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Estonian for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 'tulema' in everyday conversations when making plans or inviting friends over. For instance, someone might say, 'Kas sa tuled homme mulle külla?' meaning 'Are you coming to visit me tomorrow?' It's also used when discussing future events, like 'Ta tuleb peole,' which translates to 'He's coming to the party.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Tulema' is often compared with 'saama,' which means 'to get' or 'to arrive.' While 'tulema' specifically conveys the action of coming toward a place or person, 'saama' can imply a broader concept of reaching a destination or obtaining something. You would choose 'tulema' when emphasizing the act of coming directly to someone or something.
Culture
'Tulema' has a rich etymological background, stemming from the Proto-Finnic root word 'tule,' which relates to movement or arrival. In Estonian culture, the act of coming together is often celebrated; gatherings for meals or festivals highlight the importance of community and connection, making 'tulema' a word that embodies social warmth and inclusion.
FAQ
Q.How do you use the word 'tulema' in a sentence?
'Tulema' is used to express the action of coming. For example, you can say, 'Ma tulen täna õhtul,' which means 'I am coming this evening.'
Q.Is 'tulema' used in formal contexts?
'Tulema' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, when speaking formally, you might want to add polite phrases to enhance your sentence.
Q.What are common mistakes when using 'tulema'?
One common mistake is using 'tulema' with the wrong prepositions. In Estonian, you typically need to specify the destination, so saying 'Ma tulen...' is the correct structure, followed by where you are coming to.
Learn estonian with Maspeak →
Estonian Vocabulary