Kõnealuses

Kõnealuses is an Estonian word that translates to "in question," "under discussion," or "concerned" in English. It is a postposition that indicates a topic or subject that is currently being talked about, considered, or is the focus of attention. The word itself is formed from the root "kõne" (speech, talk) and the locative case suffix "-s," with the added element "alune" which signifies being under or beneath something.

This postposition is frequently used in formal and informal Estonian contexts to refer to something that has already been mentioned or is understood from the surrounding conversation or text. For instance, if someone has just finished explaining a particular issue, they might say "kõnealuses küsimuses" which means "in the question in question" or "regarding the matter at hand." It helps to explicitly link the current statement back to a previously established subject.

The usage of kõnealuses is idiomatic and specific to the Estonian language. It serves a grammatical function similar to prepositions in other languages but is placed after the noun or pronoun it modifies. Understanding its meaning and application is crucial for comprehending written and spoken Estonian, particularly when dealing with discussions, reports, or explanations of specific topics. It ensures clarity by pinpointing the exact subject being addressed.