Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Cases-and-pronouns
As a Standard Estonian language teacher for the past 20 years, I have noticed that one of the most challenging aspects of the Estonian language for beginners is the use of cases and pronouns. However, understanding these grammar concepts is essential to effectively communicate in Estonian. In this lesson, we will explore the Estonian cases and how to use them with pronouns. By the end of this lesson, you will have a better understanding of these grammar concepts and be able to use them in your daily conversations.
Estonian Cases
In Estonian, cases are used to indicate the grammatical function of a noun or pronoun in a sentence. There are 14 cases in the Estonian language, each with its own suffix. This may seem overwhelming, but don't worry, we will start by introducing you to the five most commonly used cases.
Nominative Case
The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence. It answers the question "who/what".
For example:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Isa | EE-sah | Father |
In the above example, "Isa" is in the nominative case, because it is the subject of the sentence.
Genitive Case
The genitive case indicates possession, and is used to answer the question "whose".
For example:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Isa maja | EE-sah MAH-yah | Father's house |
In the above example, "isa" (father) is in the genitive case because it indicates possession.
Partitive Case
The partitive case indicates a part of a whole, and is used to answer the question "what/whom". It is also used for indefinite objects of a verb.
For example:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ma armastan piima | Mah ARM-ah-stahn PEEL-mah | I love milk |
In the above example, "piim" (milk) is in the partitive case because it indicates an indefinite object.
Inessive Case
The inessive case is used to indicate location or position inside something, and is used to answer the question "where".
For example:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Lapsed on majas | LAHP-sed ohn MAH-yahs | The children are in the house. |
In the above example, "maj" (house) is in the inessive case because it indicates the position of the children.
Elative Case
The elative case indicates a movement from inside something, and is used to answer the question "from where/what".
For example:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ta tuli majast | Tah TOO-lee MAH-yahst | He came from the house. |
In the above example, "maj" (house) is in the elative case as it indicates the origin of the person who came.
These are only five of the 14 cases in Estonian, but mastering them is an important step towards fluency in the language.
Pronouns
Pronouns are words that replace nouns or other pronouns in a sentence. In Estonian, pronouns also have cases, but the declension is more straightforward than for nouns.
Here are the personal pronouns in the nominative case:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mina | MEE-nah | I |
| Sina | SEE-nah | You (singular, informal) |
| Tema | TAH-mah | He/She/It |
| Meie | MAY-eh | We |
| Teie | TAY-eh | You (plural, formal or informal) |
| Nemad | NEH-mahd | They |
Here are the same personal pronouns with the accusative and genitive cases:
| Standard Estonian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Mina (accusative) | MEE-nah | Me (direct object), or to/at me (indirect object) |
| Mina (genitive) | MEE-nah | My |
| Sina (accusative) | SEE-nah | You (singular, informal), or to/at you (indirect object) |
| Sina (genitive) | SEE-nah | Your |
| Tema (accusative) | TAH-mah | Him/Her/It (direct object), or to/at him/her/it (indirect object) |
| Tema (genitive) | TAH-mah | His/Her/Its |
| Meie (accusative) | MAY-eh | Us (direct object), or to/at us (indirect object) |
| Meie (genitive) | MAY-eh | Our |
| Teie (accusative) | TAY-eh | You (plural, formal or informal), or to/at you (indirect object) |
| Teie (genitive) | TAY-eh | Your |
| Nemad (accusative) | NEH-mahd | Them (direct object), or to/at them (indirect object) |
| Nemad (genitive) | NEH-mahd | Their |
Once you master the cases and the pronouns, you can start building sentences and having basic conversations in Estonian. Practice is key to success, so make sure you try using the cases and pronouns as much as you can in your daily life.
I hope you enjoyed this lesson and found it valuable in your journey to becoming proficient in Estonian!