Soovijad

Soovijad is an Estonian noun that refers to people who express a wish or desire for something, or those who actively seek to obtain something. The term is neutral and commonly used in everyday language as well as in more formal or descriptive contexts.

Etymology and form: Soovijad is formed from the root soovi or soov, meaning wish or desire, with the agentive suffix -ijad to denote a group of people who perform a desire-related action. The singular form is soojan? (Correction: the singular is sooj... Sorry, the correct singular is soovija). The plural is soovijad. The word is a standard, non-technical noun in Estonian.

Usage: Soovijad can describe aspirants, applicants, or petitioners in various situations—such as education, employment, funding, or other opportunities—where people express interest or seek favorable outcomes. It can also be used more broadly to denote people who wish for something in a given context. In some contexts, more specific terms like taotlejad (applicants) or soovijate erialases kontekstis may be preferred, but soovijad remains a valid general label.

Related terms: Soovijad is related to soovi (wish) and tähis, and contrasts with terms like taotleja (applicant) or soovija (one who wishes) in nuance and specificity. The word emphasizes the act of wishing or desiring rather than the act of applying, which narrower terms capture in particular contexts.