Kõnedes

Kõnedes is an Estonian verbal adverbial participle meaning “while speaking” or “speaking.” It belongs to the class of non-finite verb forms used to express attendant circumstances of the main clause. In usage, kõnedes typically indicates that the action of speaking accompanies the action of the main verb, and it usually refers to the same subject as the main clause.

The form is formed from the verb associated with speaking and is used to create a concise, subordinate-like clause without introducing a new finite verb. In modern Estonian, adverbial participles such as kõnedes are most commonly found in formal or literary styles; in everyday speech, speakers often prefer explicit subordinate clauses or other adverbial forms like rääkides (“speaking”) or kuulates (“while listening”), depending on context.

Example: Kõnedes ütles ta, et tuleb varsti. This can be rendered as “While speaking, he said that he would come soon.” The construction allows the attendant action (speaking) to be presented in a compact way, linking it directly to the main clause.

Notes: The subject of the adverbial participle is usually the same as the subject of the main clause. Because kõnedes is relatively formal and somewhat literary, it may appear less frequently in everyday writing or speech. For alternative or clearer expression, writers may choose nested clauses or other participles that suit the register and stylistic needs of the text.