Peavad

Peavad is an Estonian verb form that expresses obligation or necessity. It represents the third-person plural present tense of the verb meaning “to have to” or “must.” In Estonian, the corresponding forms for different subjects are coordinated through standard present tense conjugation, with peavad used for plural subjects (they must).

Usage and construction

Peavad is typically used with an infinitive or adverbial infinitive to indicate what must be done. The common pattern is peavad plus an infinitive: nad peavad minema (they must go) or nad peavad õppima (they must study). It can also occur with a non-finite form to express more specific obligations, such as nad peavad olema valmis (they must be ready). The phrase often appears in both formal and informal contexts when communicating requirements, rules, deadlines, or expectations.

Negation and related forms

To express that something is not required, Estonian uses ei pea: nad ei pea seda tegema (they do not have to do it). The corresponding singular form is ta peab (he/she must), while the plural is nad peavad; other persons use the same verb with different subject pronouns, following standard Estonian conjugation: ma pean, sa pead, ta peab, me peame, te peate, nad peavad.

Example summary

Peavad functions as a modal-like verb signaling obligation and is versatile in construction with infinitives to describe what must be done, when it applies to groups, or within certain contexts. It is a common element in everyday Estonian, used to convey duties, requirements, and formal directives. See also the related forms peab, pean, and other Estonian modal constructions.