Proovige

Proovige is the Estonian imperative form of the verb proovima, meaning to try or to test. It is used to make a polite request or invitation and translates roughly as “please try.” The form is used when addressing one person formally or when addressing more than one person.

In Estonian, the imperative forms distinguish formality and number. Proovige is the polite singular or plural form of the imperative, used with the pronoun Tei(e) or when speaking to a group. The informal singular counterpart is proovi, used with someone you know well. The negative imperatives are ära proovige or ärge proovige for the polite/formal option, and ära proovi for the informal singular.

Usage examples include everyday instructions, customer communications, and signage. For instance, Proovige meie uut toodet. (Please try our new product.) Proovige seda ja öelge, mida arvate. (Please try it and tell us what you think.)

Etymology and related forms: proovige is derived from the verb proovima, which is linked to the noun proov, meaning a trial or test. The pair proovi (informal singular) and proovige (polite singular/plural) illustrate standard Estonian imperatives and the language’s system of formality in direct address.

See also: Estonian language, Estonian grammar, verb conjugation, imperative mood.