Käske

Käske is an Estonian term that can function as a noun meaning “order” or “command,” and as a verb-related form connected with the verb käskima, “to command.” In standard usage, käsk refers to an instruction issued by an authority, while käske appears in more formal, historical, or ceremonial language as a verb form related to issuing a command.

Etymology and cognates: Käsk/e stems from the Estonian root käsk-, which is linked to the Finnic family of languages. Related words include Finnish käsky (“order” or “command”) and other Finnic cognates. The development of käsk-/käske forms reflects common Finnic patterns for expressing directive actions and imperatives.

Usage and register: Käsk/morphology is most often encountered in older or formal texts, such as legal proclamations, administrative language, or literary works that imitate traditional diction. In everyday Estonian, the noun käsk is used for ordinary references to orders or directives, while käskima remains the everyday verb meaning “to command.” The specific form käske, when present, is tied to particular grammatical constructions and may appear as part of a larger verbal form in formal contexts.

See also: Käsk, käskima, käskija. Related terms in Finnish include käsky. The concepts connect to broader discussions of authority, instruction, and command structures within Estonian language and literature.