Koristab

Koristab is an Estonian verb meaning to clean or tidy. It describes the act of removing dirt, organizing items, and arranging a space so that it is neat. It is commonly used for domestic cleaning tasks such as cleaning a room, sweeping floors, or tidying up.

Etymology and form: Koristab is derived from the noun koristus, meaning cleaning, with the standard Estonian verb suffix -ama. The infinitive form is koristama. In ordinary usage, it is a transitive verb that takes a direct object, for example tuba (the room) or riided (clothes). The form koristab is the third-person singular present indicative, and the verb follows the regular conjugation pattern of -ama verbs in Estonian.

Grammar and usage: As a regular, transitively used verb, koristab can appear with various subjects performing cleaning actions. It is used when describing someone tidying or cleaning a specific object or space. Common collocations include tuba, köök (kitchen), põrand (floor), and riided (clothes). The noun koristus (cleaning) is closely related and often used to discuss the process or quality of cleaning.

Examples:

- Ta koristab tuba iga päev. (He/She cleans the room every day.)

- Kas sa saad köögi koristada enne külaliste saabumist? (Can you clean the kitchen before the guests arrive?)

See also: Estonian verbs, koristus, puhastus, koristus.