Küsivsidussõna

Küsivsidussõna is an Estonian grammatical term referring to a type of interrogative word that also functions as a conjunction. These words introduce subordinate clauses that express a question, doubt, or uncertainty. They are distinct from direct interrogative words used in standalone questions.

Common examples of küsivsidussõna include words like "kes" (who), "mis" (what), "kus" (where), "millal" (when), "miks" (why), "kuidas" (how), and "kumb" (which of two). When used as küsivsidussõna, they connect a subordinate clause to a main clause, often indicating an indirect question. For instance, in the sentence "Ma ei tea, kes ta on" (I don't know who he is), "kes" introduces the subordinate clause expressing uncertainty about the person's identity.

The use of küsivsidussõna is crucial for forming complex sentences in Estonian that convey nuanced meanings of inquiry or doubt. They can also appear in clauses expressing a condition or concession, depending on the context and accompanying particles. Understanding the dual role of these words is essential for mastering Estonian grammar and constructing grammatically correct and semantically precise sentences. Their function blurs the line between interrogative and connective elements, providing a flexible tool for sentence construction.