Mõistada

Mõistada is an Estonian verb meaning to understand or comprehend. It is used to express grasp of information, meanings, or situations, and can apply to people, statements, or events. The verb is typically followed by a clause, as in “Ma mõistan, mida sa öelda tahad” (I understand what you want to say), or by a direct object in certain constructions.

Etymology and related forms: Mõistada derives from the root mõist-, which is linked to the noun mõistus, meaning mind or intellect. Related words include mõistmine (understanding) and mõistlik (reasonable). The root also appears in various compounds and phrases that describe comprehension and judgment.

Conjugation and grammar: In present tense, the forms are: ma mõistan, sa mõistad, ta mõistab, me mõistame, te mõistate, nad mõistavad. Past tense forms include: ma mõistsin, sa mõistsid, ta mõistis, me mõistsime, te mõistsite, nad mõistsid. The perfect (with auxiliary olema) is formed as: ma olen mõistnud, sa oled mõistnud, ta on mõistnud, me oleme mõistnud, te olete mõistnud, nad on mõistnud. Mõistada is a transitive verb and commonly pairs with clauses (mida, seadused, tähendus) to specify what is understood.

Usage notes: Mõistada is used to convey understanding of information, statements, feelings, or situations. It is often contrasted with valesti mõista (to misunderstand) and with constructions like mõista midagi, meaning to understand something, or mõistma kellegi seisukohta, to understand someone’s point of view. The verb forms part of a family that includes mõistus and mõistmine, which reinforce the concept of understanding and intellect.