Esikohad

Esikohad is an Estonian noun that generally means “front places” or “leading positions.” It is used both for literal seating and for metaphorical rankings, referring to the most prominent or desirable spots in a venue, list, or allocation. The word is formed from the noun koht, meaning place, combined with a prefix or stem that conveys front or leading, yielding the plural esikohad and the singular esikoht.

In everyday language, esikohad is most often used for front-row or otherwise best-seated locations at events such as concerts, theatre performances, or conferences. Metaphorically, the term can describe top positions in rankings, lists, or allocations, for example the top spots on a candidate list, or the leading places in a competition or poll. In political or organizational contexts, esikohad may denote the most favorable or influential positions on a ballot or roster.

Usage notes include that esikoht (singular) refers to a single top position, while esikohad (plural) covers multiple high-priority locations or spots. The term is common in formal and semi-formal Estonian writing and speech, and it often appears in journalism, event planning, and political discourse when discussing prominence, priority, or seating arrangements.

See also: esikoht, koht, järjekord, prioriteet.