Küsivsidussõnad

Küsivsidussõnad, often translated as interrogative pronouns or question words, are a fundamental part of grammar in many languages, including Estonian. These words are used to ask questions and typically introduce subordinate clauses that function as the object of a verb or preposition. In Estonian, common examples include kes (who), mis (what), milline (which), kus (where), millal (when), kuidas (how), and miks (why).

These words serve a dual purpose. Primarily, they function as interrogative pronouns when used directly to ask a question, such as "Kes tuli?" (Who came?). Secondly, they introduce relative clauses that refer back to an antecedent, but in a way that maintains the interrogative sense of the information being sought. For instance, "Ma ei tea, kes tuli." (I don't know who came.) Here, "kes" introduces a clause that specifies the unknown person.

The grammatical function of küsivsidussõnad in subordinate clauses often mirrors their function as direct interrogatives. If "kes" asks "who" directly, in a subordinate clause it introduces information about an unknown "who." Similarly, "mis" functions as "what" in direct questions and introduces clauses about an unknown "what." The position of these words is crucial for understanding their role in a sentence. They typically appear at the beginning of the subordinate clause. Understanding the specific meanings and grammatical roles of each küsivsidussõna is essential for both comprehension and accurate sentence construction in Estonian.