Pöördudes

Pöördudes is an Estonian adverbial participle (gerund) formed from the verb pöörduma, meaning to turn toward or to address. It functions to express an action that takes place at the same time as the main clause, describing manner, circumstance, or accompaniment. In English it is commonly rendered as “turning toward” or “turning to” in adverbial clauses.

Usage and syntax

Pöördudes is used to introduce an adverbial participle clause. The subject of the participle is often the same as the subject of the main clause, but it can also refer to a different subject in literary or formal contexts. It is frequent in written Estonian, especially in narrative or descriptive passages, and can provide a concise alternative to sequential sentences.

Examples

- Pöördudes tema poole, ma palusin abi. — Turning toward him, I asked for help.

- Pöördudes tagasi, vaatas ta ringi. — Turning back, he looked around.

Nuances

As a gerundial form, pöördudes can convey immediacy and simultaneity more compactly than a full two-clause sentence. The choice between pöördudes and a finite clause (for example, “ma pöördusin tema poole ja …”) can affect tone, with pöördudes often lending a more literary or formal feel.

See also

Estonian grammar, adverbial participles, pöörduma.