Lühikirjelduse

Lühikirjelduse is an Estonian term meaning "short description." The word is formed from lühike, meaning "short," and kirjeldus, which translates as "description." It is commonly used in Estonian literature, journalism, and digital content to provide concise summaries of topics, individuals, places, or events. Lühikirjelduse serves a similar purpose to the English "summary" or "synopsis" but is specifically tailored to fit the linguistic and stylistic norms of the Estonian language.

In scholarly and encyclopedic contexts, a lühikirjelduse often appears at the beginning of an article or entry, offering a quick snapshot of key facts. It aims to give readers enough information to understand the subject’s significance without requiring a full read. The format is usually one or two sentences and follows the style guidelines of the publishing organization, balancing brevity with completeness. For example, an entry on a historical figure might begin with a lühikirjelduse that includes birth and death dates, major achievements, and notable positions held.

The concept is also used in digital media, especially on websites, blogs, and social platforms. In this setting, lühikirjelduse functions as meta description text, which search engines display in search results and help users decide whether to click through. Estonian news outlets regularly generate lühikirjelduse for each article to attract readership and improve search visibility. Consequently, the practice has become an integral part of content creation strategies in Estonia.

Beyond Estonian, the idea of a short description is widespread; similar terms exist in Finnish (lyhyt kuvaus), Danish (kort beskrivelse), and German (Kurzbeschreibung). Nevertheless, lühikirjelduse retains distinct linguistic features rooted in Estonian grammar and culture, making it a staple in both formal and informal contexts where concise communication is valued.