Kallid

Kallid is a word in the Estonian language. It is the plural form of the adjective kallis, which has two main senses: dear or beloved, and expensive. When used as a noun phrase or in vocative form, kallid can refer to loved ones or people addressed with affection, similar to the English phrase “dear ones.” In written and spoken Estonian, kallid is commonly used as a salutation at the start of correspondence, for example, “Kallid sõbrad,” meaning “Dear friends.” The sense of “expensive” belongs to kallis in the singular and is not typically used to describe people as “kallid” in reference to price.

Etymology and related forms: kallis derives from Estonian and shares cognates with other Finnic languages; its deeper historical roots are traced to the Proto-Finnic period. The form kallid is simply the plural of the adjective, used for multiple persons or things valued as dear.

Usage notes: While primarily used in Estonian-speaking contexts, kallid may appear in diaspora communities and translated texts. It is not typically a standalone proper noun; capitalized forms would be determined by a specific context if used as a name or title.

See also: kallis (Estonian for dear or expensive). In related Finnic languages, cognate terms with similar meanings exist, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage.