Esmatähtsad

Esmatähtsad is an Estonian adjective meaning “of primary importance; top priority.” It is used to describe tasks, decisions, or information that must be addressed first and receive attention or resources before other items. The term is common in planning, management, policy, and media to signal that something is especially urgent or essential.

Etymology and form: Esma- is a prefix meaning first or primary, and tähtis means important. The word esmatähtsad is typically used to modify plural nouns, for example esmatähtsad ülesanded (top-priority tasks) or esmatähtsad andmed (essential data). The singular form is esmatähtis or esmatähtne, depending on grammatical context.

Usage and nuance: In organizational and procedural contexts, esmatähtsad marks items that should be tackled immediately and with priority over others. It is stronger than simply “important” and closely related to concepts like priority setting, urgency, and criticality. In reports, plans, and briefings, labeling something esmatähtsad helps guide decision-makers and allocate resources efficiently.

Examples:

- Kõige esmatähtsamad ülesanded tuleb täita enne teisi.

- Raportis on esmatähtsad andmed esitatud algul.

- Ettevõte keskendub esmatähtsatele küsimustele kriisi ajal.

See also: priority, urgency, criticality, essential information. Esmatähtsad remains a point of emphasis in formal Estonian communication, signaling items that require immediate and prioritized attention.