Lühendamisega

Lühendamisega refers to the process of shortening words or phrases in the Estonian language. This can take several forms, including abbreviation, contraction, and omission. Abbreviations are common, often seen in written text and everyday communication. For example, "nt" is a common abbreviation for "näiteks" (for example), and "kell" can be shortened to "k" when indicating time, as in "10k" for "10 kell" (10 o'clock).

Contractions involve combining parts of words to form a shorter, often more colloquial expression. This is less formally defined than standard abbreviations but is a natural part of spoken Estonian. Omission, where parts of a phrase are simply left out, is another way lühendamisega manifests, particularly in informal contexts or when brevity is prioritized.

The purpose of lühendamisega is primarily to save space and time, making communication more efficient. However, overuse or the use of obscure abbreviations can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity. Proper understanding of common Estonian abbreviations and the general principles of shortening is beneficial for anyone learning or using the language. The practice is dynamic, with new shortened forms emerging and older ones sometimes falling out of use.