Päeval

Päeval is an Estonian word meaning "daytime" or "during the day." It is commonly used in everyday conversation to distinguish between the daytime period and the nighttime. For example, one might say "Ma töötan päeval" which translates to "I work during the day." The word is derived from the Estonian word "päev" meaning "day."

The concept of päeval is fundamental to timekeeping and daily routines in Estonia, as in many other cultures. It signifies the period of daylight, when activities like working, schooling, and outdoor recreation typically take place. The duration of päeval varies with the seasons, being longer in the summer and shorter in the winter, a phenomenon characteristic of higher latitudes.

In a broader sense, "päeval" can also refer to a specific day, such as in the phrase "eelmisel päeval" meaning "the day before" or "järgmisel päeval" meaning "the next day." This usage emphasizes the sequential nature of days in a week or month. The word is a basic element of the Estonian lexicon, essential for expressing temporal concepts and organizing daily life.