Nimisõnafraasis

Nimisõnafraas refers to a noun phrase in Estonian linguistics. A noun phrase is a group of words that functions in a sentence as a subject, object, or prepositional object, and is built around a noun or pronoun. In Estonian, the structure of a noun phrase typically involves a head noun, which is the core of the phrase, and various modifiers. These modifiers can include adjectives, possessive suffixes, demonstrative words, numerals, and other nouns in genitive case.

The head noun in an Estonian noun phrase is the main element and determines the grammatical case and number of the entire phrase. Modifiers agree with the head noun in case and number. For example, the adjective "ilus" (beautiful) will change its ending to match the case and number of the noun it modifies, such as "ilus maja" (beautiful house) in nominative singular or "ilusa maja" (of a beautiful house) in genitive singular.

Demonstrative words like "see" (this) and "too" (that) also precede the noun and agree with it in case. Possessive suffixes are attached to the end of the noun to indicate ownership, for example, "ema maja" (mother's house). Numerals, when used as modifiers, also precede the noun and can influence the noun's case, especially when dealing with cardinal numbers. The genitive case is frequently used to form compound noun phrases, like "õpilase raamat" (student's book), where "õpilase" is the genitive form of "õpilane" (student). Understanding the structure of nimisõnafraas is fundamental to comprehending Estonian grammar and sentence construction.