In English, a verb has one main name: “to eat,” “to sleep,” or “to go.”

But in Estonian, every verb has two “names” (infinitives). For example, “to eat” is both sööma and süüa. “To speak” is rääkima and rääkida.

This is one of the first big grammar hurdles learners face.

When do you use the -ma form, and when do you use the -da form?

It might seem random at first, but don’t worry. There are clear rules and patterns that will help you choose the right one almost every time.

In this guide, I will break down the differences and show you exactly how to use them.

The basics of Estonian infinitives

In Estonian, we call these two forms the -ma infinitive and the -da infinitive.

When you look up a word in the dictionary, you will usually see the -ma form listed first. This is considered the “dictionary form.”

However, you need to know both forms to speak correctly. The ending of the verb changes depending on the word that comes before it in the sentence.

Here is the general rule of thumb:

• The -ma infinitive is usually connected to action, motion, or starting something.
• The -da infinitive is usually connected to emotion, permission, ability, or generic statements.

Let’s look at the specific rules for each.

When to use the -ma infinitive

You will use the dictionary form (the one ending in -ma) in four specific situations.

1. After verbs of motion

If you are going somewhere to do something, the second verb must be in the -ma form.

Common motion verbs include:

• minema (to go)
• tulema (to come)
• sõitma (to drive/ride)

2. When starting an action

If you use the verb hakkama (to start), the action that follows is always in the -ma form.

3. After verbs of obligation (must/have to)

The verb pidama (to have to/must) is extremely common. When you say you “have to” do something, that “something” takes the -ma ending.

4. Learning and teaching

Verbs related to the process of learning (õppima) or teaching (õpetama) trigger the -ma infinitive.

When to use the -da infinitive

The -da infinitive (sometimes just ending in -a, -ta, or -ia) is used in a different set of circumstances.

1. After helper verbs (modals)

This is the most common use. If you want to say you “can,” “want,” “may,” or “know how to” do something, you use the -da form.

Key verbs that trigger this include:

• tahtma (to want)
• võima (can/may)
• saama (can/to be able to)
• oskama (to know how/to have the skill)
• tohtima (to be allowed to)

2. With the verb “armastama” (to love)

While “liking” (meeldima) has its own complex grammar, “loving” (armastama) is straightforward. If you love to do an activity, use the -da form.

3. Impersonal phrases (It is…)

When you use a phrase that starts with “It is…” (Estonian: On…), the following verb is in the -da form.

Common phrases:

• On vaja (It is necessary)
• On raske (It is difficult)
• On tore (It is nice/fun)
• On võimalik (It is possible)

Common verbs chart

To help you practice, here is a list of common verbs with both their -ma and -da forms.

Summary

Learning the -ma and -da infinitives takes a little bit of memorization, but the logic is consistent.

Remember these two main takeaways:

1. Use -ma for motion (minema), starting (hakkama), and obligation (pidama).
2. Use -da for wanting (tahtma), ability (saama/oskama), and impersonal phrases (on vaja).

The best way to learn is to listen to how native speakers use these helper verbs. Eventually, it will sound “wrong” to your ear if you use the incorrect ending.