Koostisväljendused

Koostisväljendused refer to expressions in the Estonian language that are formed by combining two or more words. These compound words or phrases often carry a meaning that is distinct from the sum of their individual parts, though the connection can sometimes be deciphered from the root words. They are a common feature of Estonian grammar and contribute to the language's expressive capacity.

There are various types of koostisväljendused. Some are written as a single word, such as "raamatukogu" (library), which is a combination of "raamat" (book) and "kogu" (collection). Others are written as separate words but function as a single semantic unit, like "suur inimene" (adult), literally "big person." The grammatical relationship between the components can vary, including possessive, objective, or adverbial connections. Understanding these expressions is crucial for comprehending the nuances of Estonian.