Nõuavad

Nõuavad is the third person plural present tense form of the Estonian verb nõuda, meaning to demand, require, or insist on. The verb is transitive and commonly used to express that a person or group asserts a need or demand directed at someone else, often in formal or public contexts. Nõuavad can take a direct object (for example, nad nõuavad õigust, they demand justice) or introduce a subordinate clause with et to specify what should happen (for example, nad nõuavad, et töötingimused parandataks).

Usage and connotations: Nõuavad frequently appears in news, politics, labor relations, and organizational discourse. It carries a stronger tone than milder verbs like paluma (to beg/ask) or paluda (to request) and implies an obligation or expectation that the demand be met. The form is versatile, used by individuals, unions, companies, and government bodies to articulate non-negotiable conditions, rights, or standards.

Morphology and related forms: The base verb is nõuda; inflections cover all persons and tenses (I demand – nõuan, you demand – nõuad, we demand – nõuame, etc.). Related nouns include nõue (a demand or requirement) and nõudmine (the act of demanding). The word may appear in various registers from everyday speech to formal declarations.

Examples: "Ametiühing nõuavad kõrgemat palka." "Valitsus nõuab seaduse kiiret vastuvõtmist." In these contexts, nõuavad expresses firm insistence on a particular outcome or condition.