Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Adjective-Declension
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Adjective Declension in Estonian
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.
Adjective Endings
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:
| Case/Gender | Example Adjective Ending |
|---|---|
| Nominative (masculine) | -ne/-e |
| Nominative (feminine) | -ne/-e |
| Nominative (neutral) | -ne/-e |
| Genitive (masculine) | -se/-e |
| Genitive (feminine) | -se/-e |
| Genitive (neutral) | -se/-e |
| Partitive (masculine) | -st/-t |
| Partitive (feminine) | -st/-t |
| Partitive (neutral) | -t/-d |
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.
Using Adjectives to Describe Nouns
In Estonian, adjectives typically come before the noun they modify. Here are some examples of how adjectives can be used to describe nouns:
- Ilus tüdruk - beautiful girl
- Vana maja - old house
- Kallis auto - expensive car
- Pikk tee - long road
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:
- Ilusad tüdrukud - beautiful girls
- Vanad majad - old houses
Expressing Comparisons
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.
Comparative Form
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 -m to the end of the stem of the adjective. For example:
- Kiire - fast
- Kiirem - faster
You can also use the word kui to make the comparison more clear:
- See auto on kiirem kui teine auto - This car is faster than the other car
Superlative Form
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 -im to the end of the stem of the adjective. For example:
- Kiire - fast
- Kiireim - fastest
Here are some examples of how the superlative form can be used in sentences:
- See on kõige ilusam raamat, mida ma kunagi näinud olen - This is the most beautiful book I have ever seen
- Ta on kõige andekam muusik - She is the most talented musician
Practice Exercises
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:
- Choose an adjective from the table above and decline it according to each case and gender.
- Form the comparative and superlative forms of the adjectives kallis and hea.
- Write a sentence using an adjective to describe a feminine noun in the partitive case.
- Write a sentence comparing two things or people using an adjective in the comparative form.
- Write a sentence comparing one thing or person to everything or everyone else using an adjective in the superlative form.
Conclusion
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!
Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: Negation and word order & Nouns.
Other Lessons
- Basic Sentence Structure
- Alphabet and Pronunciation
- Personal Pronouns
- Question words and interrogative sentences
- Articles
- Present Tense
- Nouns
- Pronouns
- Give your Opinion
- 0 to A1 Course
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