Mõlemad

Mõlemad is Estonian a determiner and pronoun meaning "both," used when referring to two people or things previously mentioned or understood. It indicates that both of the referenced items are involved or affected.

In use, mõlemad accompanies a plural noun and agrees with it in number and case, functioning either as a determiner before the noun or as a stand-alone pronoun in a sentence. For example, in the sentence Mõlemad poisid tulid, both boys came, mõlemad is used with the plural noun poisid. In Mõlemad raamatud on huvitavad, both books are interesting, the word again accompanies the plural noun and agrees in number. The form is declined like other adjectives and pronouns in Estonian, so its exact endings vary with case and definiteness, though the nominative plural form is typically mõlemad.

Mõlemad is commonly used to emphasize that two specific entities are included, as in expressions like mõlemad osapooled (both parties) or mõlemad variandid (both options). It contrasts with words that refer to more or fewer than two, such as kõik (all) or üks (one). The term is widely used in everyday language, formal writing, and measurements of two-item comparisons.

Etymologically, mõlemad derives from a base meaning related to “both” and has developed into a standard part of Estonian grammar for referring to two items collectively. It is distinct from similar words used for singular or plural generalizations and retains a clear sense of dual inclusion.