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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Standard-estonian|Standard Estonian]]  → [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Adjectives and Adverbs → Adjective Declension</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Standard-estonian|Standard Estonian]]  → [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Adjectives and Adverbs → Adjective Declension</div>


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==Adjective Declension in Estonian==
== Introduction ==
 
Welcome to the lesson on adjective declension in Standard Estonian! Adjectives are an essential part of any language as they allow us to describe and provide more information about nouns. In Estonian, adjectives change their form according to the case, gender, and number of the noun they modify. Understanding how to decline adjectives correctly is crucial for building grammatically correct sentences and expressing yourself accurately in Estonian.
 
In this lesson, we will explore the rules and patterns of adjective declension in Estonian. We will learn how adjectives are inflected based on the different cases, genders, and numbers. We will also practice using adjectives to describe nouns and express comparisons. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in adjective declension and be able to confidently use adjectives in your Estonian conversations.
 
Let's dive into the fascinating world of Estonian adjectives!
 
== Adjective Declension ==
 
=== Case ===
 
In Estonian, adjectives change their form depending on the case of the noun they modify. Case refers to the grammatical function of a noun in a sentence, such as the subject, object, or possessive relationship. There are 14 cases in Estonian, but for this lesson, we will focus on the basic cases: nominative, genitive, partitive, and illative.
 
Let's take a look at how adjectives are declined in each of these cases:
 
==== Nominative Case ====
 
The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence or when the noun is in a positive statement. In the nominative case, adjectives usually remain in their base form. Here are some examples:


<p>In Estonian, adjectives modify nouns and can be used to describe their qualities, such as size, color, and shape. To use adjectives in sentences correctly, it is important to understand how they are declined according to case, gender, and number. In this lesson, you will learn the rules for adjective declension in Estonian and practice using adjectives to describe nouns and express comparisons.</p>
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ilus naine || EE-loos NAI-ne || beautiful woman
|-
| kõrge maja || KOR-ge MA-ya || tall house
|-
| hea töö || HE-a TO || good work
|}


==Adjective Endings==
==== Genitive Case ====


<p>In Estonian, adjectives are declined according to the case, gender, and number of the noun they modify. This means that the ending of the adjective changes to match the noun. Here are some examples of how adjectives change according to case and gender:</p>
The genitive case is used to show possession or to indicate the noun that is being referred to or affected by something. In the genitive case, adjectives usually add the ending "-a" or "-e" to their base form. Here are some examples:


<table class="wikitable">
{| class="wikitable"
  <tr>
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
    <th>Case/Gender</th>
|-
    <th>Example Adjective Ending</th>
| ilusa naise || EE-LOO-sa NAI-se || of a beautiful woman
  </tr>
|-
  <tr>
| kõrge maja || KOR-ge MA-ja || of a tall house
    <td>Nominative (masculine)</td>
|-
    <td>-ne/-e</td>
| hea töö || HE-a TÖÖ || of a good work
  </tr>
|}
  <tr>
    <td>Nominative (feminine)</td>
    <td>-ne/-e</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Nominative (neutral)</td>
    <td>-ne/-e</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Genitive (masculine)</td>
    <td>-se/-e</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Genitive (feminine)</td>
    <td>-se/-e</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Genitive (neutral)</td>
    <td>-se/-e</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Partitive (masculine)</td>
    <td>-st/-t</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Partitive (feminine)</td>
    <td>-st/-t</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Partitive (neutral)</td>
    <td>-t/-d</td>
  </tr>
</table>


<p>As you can see, the ending of the adjective changes according to the type of noun and the case of the sentence. Knowing these rules will help you to use adjectives correctly in Estonian.</p>
==== Partitive Case ====


==Using Adjectives to Describe Nouns==
The partitive case is used to indicate an indefinite or incomplete quantity of something. In the partitive case, adjectives usually add the ending "-t" or "-d" to their base form. Here are some examples:


<p>In Estonian, adjectives typically come before the noun they modify. Here are some examples of how adjectives can be used to describe nouns:</p>
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ilusat naist || EE-loo-SAT NA-ist || (I see) a beautiful woman
|-
| kõrget maja || KOR-get MA-ya || (I see) a tall house
|-
| head tööd || HEAD TÖÖD || (I see) good work
|}


<ul>
==== Illative Case ====
<li><b>Ilus tüdruk</b> - beautiful girl</li>
<li><b>Vana maja</b> - old house</li>
<li><b>Kallis auto</b> - expensive car</li>
<li><b>Pikk tee</b> - long road</li>
</ul>


<p>Note that the adjective agrees with the noun in terms of gender and number. This means that if the noun is in the plural form or if it is a feminine noun, the adjective ending will change accordingly. For example:</p>
The illative case is used to indicate movement into or onto something. In the illative case, adjectives usually add the ending "-sse" or "-le" to their base form. Here are some examples:


<ul>
{| class="wikitable"
<li><b>Ilusad tüdrukud</b> - beautiful girls</li>
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
<li><b>Vanad majad</b> - old houses</li>
|-
</ul>
| ilusasse majja || EE-LOO-sas-SE MA-ya || into a beautiful house
|-
| kõrgele mäele || KOR-ge-le MA-e-le || onto a tall mountain
|-
| heasse kohta || HE-as-se KÕH-ta || into a good place
|}


==Expressing Comparisons==
=== Gender ===


<p>Adjectives can also be used to express comparisons in Estonian. To do this, you can use the comparative form or the superlative form of the adjective.</p>
In Estonian, adjectives also change their form based on the gender of the noun they modify. There are three genders in Estonian: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The gender of a noun is not always obvious and must be learned with the noun itself. Let's see how adjectives are declined according to gender:


===Comparative Form===
==== Masculine Gender ====


<p>The comparative form of an adjective is used to compare two things or people. In Estonian, the comparative form of an adjective is usually formed by adding <i>-m</i> to the end of the stem of the adjective. For example:</p>
When an adjective modifies a masculine noun, it usually remains in its base form. Here are some examples:


<ul>
{| class="wikitable"
<li><b>Kiire</b> - fast</li>
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
<li><b>Kiirem</b> - faster</li>
|-
</ul>
| tugev mees || TOO-gev MES || strong man
|-
| ilus poiss || EE-loos POISS || handsome boy
|-
| hea sõber || HE-a SÕ-ber || good friend
|}


<p>You can also use the word <i>kui</i> to make the comparison more clear:</p>
==== Feminine Gender ====


<ul>
When an adjective modifies a feminine noun, it usually adds the ending "-ne" to its base form. Here are some examples:
<li><b>See auto on kiirem <u>kui</u> teine auto</b> - This car is faster than the other car</li>
</ul>


===Superlative Form===
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ilus naine || EE-loos NAI-ne || beautiful woman
|-
| tark õpetaja || TARK Õ-pe-TA-ya || smart teacher
|-
| hea ema || HE-a E-ma || good mother
|}


<p>The superlative form of an adjective is used to compare one thing or person to everything or everyone else. In Estonian, the superlative form of an adjective is usually formed by adding <i>-im</i> to the end of the stem of the adjective. For example:</p>
==== Neuter Gender ====


<ul>
When an adjective modifies a neuter noun, it usually adds the ending "-d" to its base form. Here are some examples:
<li><b>Kiire</b> - fast</li>
<li><b>Kiireim</b> - fastest</li>
</ul>


<p>Here are some examples of how the superlative form can be used in sentences:</p>
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ilus majake || EE-loos MA-ya-ke || beautiful little house
|-
| tark loom || TARK LOOM || smart animal
|-
| hea süda || HE-a SÜ-da || good heart
|}


<ul>
=== Number ===
<li><b>See on kõige ilusam raamat, mida ma kunagi näinud olen</b> - This is the most beautiful book I have ever seen</li>
<li><b>Ta on kõige andekam muusik</b> - She is the most talented musician</li>
</ul>


==Practice Exercises==
Finally, adjectives in Estonian also change their form based on the number of the noun they modify. There are two numbers in Estonian: singular and plural. Let's see how adjectives are declined according to number:


<p>Now that you have learned about adjective declension and comparison in Estonian, it's time to practice! Here are some exercises to help you master this topic:</p>
==== Singular Number ====


<ol>
When an adjective modifies a noun in the singular form, it usually remains in its base form. Here are some examples:
<li>Choose an adjective from the table above and decline it according to each case and gender.</li>
<li>Form the comparative and superlative forms of the adjectives <i>kallis</i> and <i>hea</i>.</li>
<li>Write a sentence using an adjective to describe a feminine noun in the partitive case.</li>
<li>Write a sentence comparing two things or people using an adjective in the comparative form.</li>
<li>Write a sentence comparing one thing or person to everything or everyone else using an adjective in the superlative form.</li>
</ol>


==Conclusion==
{| class="wikitable"
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| ilus naine || EE-loos NAI-ne || beautiful woman
|-
| kõrge maja || KOR-ge MA-ya || tall house
|-
| hea töö || HE-a TO || good work
|}


<p>Congratulations! You have learned how to decline adjectives in Estonian according to case, gender, and number. You have also learned how to use adjectives to describe nouns and express comparisons. Keep practicing and soon you will be able to use adjectives confidently in any sentence!</p>
==== Plural Number ====


When an adjective modifies a noun in the plural form, it usually adds the ending "-d" to its base form. Here are some examples:


<span link>Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Negation-and-word-order|Negation and word order]] & [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Nouns|Nouns]].</span>
{| class="wikitable"
{{#seo:
! Standard Estonian !! Pronunciation !! English
|title=Estonian Adjective Declension Guide with Examples
|-
|keywords=Estonian adjectives, Estonian grammar, adjective declension, Estonian cases, Estonian gender, Estonian language course
| ilusad naised || EE-LOO-sad NAI-sed || beautiful women
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to decline adjectives in Estonian according to case, gender, and number. Practice using adjectives to describe nouns and express comparisons with this guide.
|-
}}
| kõrged majad || KOR-ged MA-jad || tall houses
|-
| head tööd || HEAD TÖÖD || good works
|}
 
== Cultural Insights ==
 
Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language and has several regional variations. While the rules of adjective declension remain consistent throughout the country, there are some slight differences in vocabulary and pronunciation. For example, in some regions, the ending "-e" is used instead of "-a" in the genitive case. This variation is often influenced by historical reasons and the influence of neighboring languages.
 
Estonian culture is rich in traditions and folklore. Traditional music and dance play a significant role in Estonian cultural identity. The song and dance festival, known as "Laulupidu," is a major event held every five years, where thousands of performers come together to celebrate Estonian music and dance. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Estonian culture.
 
== Practice Exercises ==
 
Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of adjective declension in Estonian.
 
Exercise 1: Decline the adjectives in the following sentences according to case, gender, and number.
 
1. Ilus ___________ (naine) astub bussi.
2. Kõrge ___________ (maja) on mu uus kodu.
3. Hea ___________ (sõber) aitab alati.
4. Tugev ___________ (mees) tõstab raskusi.
5. Ilusad ___________ (lill) õitsevad kevadel.
 
Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences from English to Estonian, using the correct adjective declension.
 
1. The tall trees provide shade in the park.
2. I see a beautiful flower in the garden.
3. Our good friends are coming to visit.
4. He has a strong car.
5. The smart students always do well in exams.
 
== Solutions ==
 
Exercise 1:
 
1. Ilusasse (naisesse) astub bussi.
2. Kõrge (majja) on mu uus kodu.
3. Hea (sõber) aitab alati.
4. Tugev (mees) tõstab raskusi.
5. Ilusad (lilled) õitsevad kevadel.
 
Exercise 2:
 
1. Kõrged puud pakuvad varju pargis.
2. Ma näen ilusat lille aias.
3. Meie head sõbrad tulevad külla.
4. Tal on tugev auto.
5. Targad õpilased teevad alati eksamitel hästi.
 
== Conclusion ==
 
Congratulations! You have now learned how to decline adjectives in Estonian according to case, gender, and number. Adjectives are powerful tools for describing nouns and expressing comparisons. Remember to practice using adjectives in different contexts to further enhance your Estonian language skills. Keep up the good work, and soon you will be able to express yourself fluently in Estonian!


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==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]]
* [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]]
* [[Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]]


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Latest revision as of 17:11, 20 June 2023

Next Lesson — Basic Sentence Structure ▶️

Estonia-Timeline-PolyglotClub.jpg
Standard Estonian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Adjectives and Adverbs → Adjective Declension

Introduction[edit | edit source]

Welcome to the lesson on adjective declension in Standard Estonian! Adjectives are an essential part of any language as they allow us to describe and provide more information about nouns. In Estonian, adjectives change their form according to the case, gender, and number of the noun they modify. Understanding how to decline adjectives correctly is crucial for building grammatically correct sentences and expressing yourself accurately in Estonian.

In this lesson, we will explore the rules and patterns of adjective declension in Estonian. We will learn how adjectives are inflected based on the different cases, genders, and numbers. We will also practice using adjectives to describe nouns and express comparisons. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in adjective declension and be able to confidently use adjectives in your Estonian conversations.

Let's dive into the fascinating world of Estonian adjectives!

Adjective Declension[edit | edit source]

Case[edit | edit source]

In Estonian, adjectives change their form depending on the case of the noun they modify. Case refers to the grammatical function of a noun in a sentence, such as the subject, object, or possessive relationship. There are 14 cases in Estonian, but for this lesson, we will focus on the basic cases: nominative, genitive, partitive, and illative.

Let's take a look at how adjectives are declined in each of these cases:

Nominative Case[edit | edit source]

The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence or when the noun is in a positive statement. In the nominative case, adjectives usually remain in their base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilus naine EE-loos NAI-ne beautiful woman
kõrge maja KOR-ge MA-ya tall house
hea töö HE-a TO good work

Genitive Case[edit | edit source]

The genitive case is used to show possession or to indicate the noun that is being referred to or affected by something. In the genitive case, adjectives usually add the ending "-a" or "-e" to their base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilusa naise EE-LOO-sa NAI-se of a beautiful woman
kõrge maja KOR-ge MA-ja of a tall house
hea töö HE-a TÖÖ of a good work

Partitive Case[edit | edit source]

The partitive case is used to indicate an indefinite or incomplete quantity of something. In the partitive case, adjectives usually add the ending "-t" or "-d" to their base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilusat naist EE-loo-SAT NA-ist (I see) a beautiful woman
kõrget maja KOR-get MA-ya (I see) a tall house
head tööd HEAD TÖÖD (I see) good work

Illative Case[edit | edit source]

The illative case is used to indicate movement into or onto something. In the illative case, adjectives usually add the ending "-sse" or "-le" to their base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilusasse majja EE-LOO-sas-SE MA-ya into a beautiful house
kõrgele mäele KOR-ge-le MA-e-le onto a tall mountain
heasse kohta HE-as-se KÕH-ta into a good place

Gender[edit | edit source]

In Estonian, adjectives also change their form based on the gender of the noun they modify. There are three genders in Estonian: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The gender of a noun is not always obvious and must be learned with the noun itself. Let's see how adjectives are declined according to gender:

Masculine Gender[edit | edit source]

When an adjective modifies a masculine noun, it usually remains in its base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
tugev mees TOO-gev MES strong man
ilus poiss EE-loos POISS handsome boy
hea sõber HE-a SÕ-ber good friend

Feminine Gender[edit | edit source]

When an adjective modifies a feminine noun, it usually adds the ending "-ne" to its base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilus naine EE-loos NAI-ne beautiful woman
tark õpetaja TARK Õ-pe-TA-ya smart teacher
hea ema HE-a E-ma good mother

Neuter Gender[edit | edit source]

When an adjective modifies a neuter noun, it usually adds the ending "-d" to its base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilus majake EE-loos MA-ya-ke beautiful little house
tark loom TARK LOOM smart animal
hea süda HE-a SÜ-da good heart

Number[edit | edit source]

Finally, adjectives in Estonian also change their form based on the number of the noun they modify. There are two numbers in Estonian: singular and plural. Let's see how adjectives are declined according to number:

Singular Number[edit | edit source]

When an adjective modifies a noun in the singular form, it usually remains in its base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilus naine EE-loos NAI-ne beautiful woman
kõrge maja KOR-ge MA-ya tall house
hea töö HE-a TO good work

Plural Number[edit | edit source]

When an adjective modifies a noun in the plural form, it usually adds the ending "-d" to its base form. Here are some examples:

Standard Estonian Pronunciation English
ilusad naised EE-LOO-sad NAI-sed beautiful women
kõrged majad KOR-ged MA-jad tall houses
head tööd HEAD TÖÖD good works

Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language and has several regional variations. While the rules of adjective declension remain consistent throughout the country, there are some slight differences in vocabulary and pronunciation. For example, in some regions, the ending "-e" is used instead of "-a" in the genitive case. This variation is often influenced by historical reasons and the influence of neighboring languages.

Estonian culture is rich in traditions and folklore. Traditional music and dance play a significant role in Estonian cultural identity. The song and dance festival, known as "Laulupidu," is a major event held every five years, where thousands of performers come together to celebrate Estonian music and dance. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Estonian culture.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Complete the following exercises to reinforce your understanding of adjective declension in Estonian.

Exercise 1: Decline the adjectives in the following sentences according to case, gender, and number.

1. Ilus ___________ (naine) astub bussi. 2. Kõrge ___________ (maja) on mu uus kodu. 3. Hea ___________ (sõber) aitab alati. 4. Tugev ___________ (mees) tõstab raskusi. 5. Ilusad ___________ (lill) õitsevad kevadel.

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences from English to Estonian, using the correct adjective declension.

1. The tall trees provide shade in the park. 2. I see a beautiful flower in the garden. 3. Our good friends are coming to visit. 4. He has a strong car. 5. The smart students always do well in exams.

Solutions[edit | edit source]

Exercise 1:

1. Ilusasse (naisesse) astub bussi. 2. Kõrge (majja) on mu uus kodu. 3. Hea (sõber) aitab alati. 4. Tugev (mees) tõstab raskusi. 5. Ilusad (lilled) õitsevad kevadel.

Exercise 2:

1. Kõrged puud pakuvad varju pargis. 2. Ma näen ilusat lille aias. 3. Meie head sõbrad tulevad külla. 4. Tal on tugev auto. 5. Targad õpilased teevad alati eksamitel hästi.

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have now learned how to decline adjectives in Estonian according to case, gender, and number. Adjectives are powerful tools for describing nouns and expressing comparisons. Remember to practice using adjectives in different contexts to further enhance your Estonian language skills. Keep up the good work, and soon you will be able to express yourself fluently in Estonian!

Table of Contents - Standard Estonian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Estonian


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Daily Activities


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Estonian Traditions


Travel and Transportation


Prepositions and Conjunctions


At Home and Work


Estonian History


Negation and Questions



Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



Next Lesson — Basic Sentence Structure ▶️

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