Saanud

Saanud is a grammatical form in Estonian derived from the verb saada, meaning to obtain or to receive. It functions as a past participle that indicates a completed action in the past and is used adjectivally to describe a noun or in subordinate clauses to refer to someone who has already received something or achieved a result. In practice, saanud can occur in various verbal constructions, most notably in combination with other verbs to express perfect aspect.

Grammatical use and form: Saanud behaves like an adjective-like participle, agreeing with the noun it modifies in number and case. It is commonly encountered in formal or written Estonian, especially in subordinate clauses or in descriptive phrases that convey a completed earning, obtaining, or receiving of something. The participle can appear in different syntactic positions, including after a linking verb to convey a state resulting from a prior action.

Relation to other participles: A closely related form is saadud, which is the passive past participle often used with a sense of “received” or “presented,” typically in more objective or passive contexts. Saanud emphasizes the subject’s own completion of the action and is frequently used in contexts describing personal achievement or possession.

Etymology and overview: The form saa-nud comes from the verb saada through standard Estonian participle formation. Like other participles, saanud participates in the declension system of Estonian adjectives, spreading its endings according to the noun it modifies.

See also: Estonian grammar, participles, saada.