æra

Ära is an Estonian negative imperative particle meaning "do not" or "don't." It marks prohibitions and warnings and is placed before the verb in the imperative mood. It is not a verb itself and does not inflect.

Grammatical usage is straightforward: Ära precedes the verb to negate an imperative. For example, "Ära mine!" means "Don't go!" and "Ära unusta" means "Don't forget." It can be used with various imperative forms, such as "Ära tee seda" (Don't do that) or "Ära räägi nii kiiresti" (Don't speak so quickly). It also appears in prohibitions directed at groups, as in "Ära tulge siia" (Don’t come here). In casual speech, the construction is common in everyday warnings and instructions, as well as in signage and public announcements.

Tone and nuance: Ära conveys a direct prohibition and is suitable for clear, practical guidance. In certain contexts it can carry a sharp or urgent tone, similar to saying "No!" in English. The particle is typically used in standard Estonian and is characteristic of the language’s imperative system. When emphasizing a prohibition, speakers may repeat or strengthen the phrase, for example with "ära üldse" (not at all) or by pairing Ära with a verb in negative or cautionary phrases.

In sum, Ära functions as the primary Estonian word for forming prohibitions in the imperative, appearing before the verb to negate commands.