Juhendama

Juhendama is an Estonian verb that means to guide, lead, direct, supervise, or instruct. It is used in contexts where one person helps another to perform a task, understand a process, or develop a skill. The term is common in education, training, and workplace settings, where a more experienced person provides support and direction to learners, employees, or teams.

Etymology and forms: juhendama is formed from the noun juhend, meaning guidance or instruction, with the verb suffix -ama. The verb follows regular Estonian conjugation patterns. In the present tense, forms include juhendan, juhendad, juhendab, juhendame, juhendate, juhendavad. Past tense forms include juhendasin, juhendasid, juhendas, juhendasime, juhendasite, juhendasid. Participles include juhendav (guiding) and juhendatud (guided).

Usage and nuance: juhendama typically implies active guidance or mentorship, rather than mere command. It is commonly used with people as the direct objects (juhendada kedagi) or with projects and tasks (juhendada projekti, juhendada töörühma). Examples: "Õpetaja juhendab õpilasi laboritöös." “Firma juhendab projekti.” In contexts of instruction, it may also refer to providing step-by-step directions or coaching.

Related terms: juhend (noun, guidance/manual), juhendaja (mentor or supervisor), juhendamine (the act of guiding or providing guidance), juhendmaterjal (instructional material). The word contrasts with juhendada in its noun form or with other verbs that emphasize control, depending on context.

In summary, juhendama denotes active guidance and instruction, used across education, training, and professional settings to help others learn, perform, or complete tasks under supervision.