Forget word lists. These are complete sentences you can say on day one, grouped by the situation you will actually be standing in.
At the shop
Tere! - Hello. Say it walking in; Estonians do.
Üks kohv, palun. - One coffee, please.
Kui palju see maksab? - How much does it cost?
Kas kaardiga saab maksta? - Can I pay by card?
Aitäh, head aega! - Thanks, goodbye!
Getting around
Vabandust, kus on bussipeatus? - Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
Mis kell buss tuleb? - What time does the bus come?
Üks pilet, palun. - One ticket, please.
Kas see buss läheb kesklinna? - Does this bus go to the centre?
Ma väljun järgmises peatuses. - I get off at the next stop.
When you need help
Kas te räägite inglise keelt? - Do you speak English?
Ma õpin eesti keelt. - I am learning Estonian. (Magic sentence - people slow down and smile.)
Palun rääkige aeglasemalt. - Please speak more slowly.
Ma ei saa aru. - I do not understand.
Kas te saate mind aidata? - Can you help me?
At the pharmacy / office
Mul on aeg broneeritud. - I have an appointment.
Mul on vaja retsepti. - I need a prescription.
Kus on lähim apteek? - Where is the nearest pharmacy?
Being polite
Vabandust! - Sorry / excuse me. Covers bumping into someone AND getting attention.
Kõik on hästi. - Everything is fine.
How to make them stick
Say each phrase out loud with the vocab audio, then use ONE of them in the real world the same day. One real "Üks kohv, palun" at an actual counter is worth twenty reps at home - and it is exactly the scenario you can rehearse with vestluspartner first.
