Hõivata

Hõivata is an Estonian verb meaning to occupy, seize, or take possession of something. It covers both literal occupation of space or territory and more abstract senses, such as occupying time or attention. In everyday language it can refer to physical control of a place as well as the act of taking up resources or opportunities.

As a transitive verb, hõivata takes a direct object and is frequently used with space or time in the partitive case. Examples include “ma hõivan ruumi” (I occupy space) and “projekt hõivas suure osa meie ajast” (the project occupied a large part of our time). The perfect tense is formed with the auxiliary olema and the past participle, as in “ta on hõivanud suure osa linnast” (he has occupied a large part of the city). The passive form “hõivatud” describes something that is occupied, for example “ala on hõivatud” (the area is occupied).

Hõivata has related forms used for nouns and adjectives. The noun form “hõiv” or the deverbal noun “hõivamine” can refer to the act or process of occupying. The participle “hõivatud” is used to describe objects or areas that are currently occupied. In addition to its literal meaning, the verb can be used figuratively to indicate taking up time or attention in a non-physical sense, depending on context.

Overall, hõivata is a common, versatile Estonian verb used across contexts from geography and law to daily life, with standard transitive usage and clear participial and nominal derivatives.