Sõltumata

Sõltumata is an Estonian word used as an adverbial expression meaning “independently of” or “regardless of.” It is most commonly seen in constructions that introduce a condition or factor that does not influence the outcome, often followed by the phrase sellest, meaning “of that/this.” In everyday and formal Estonian, it helps indicate that a decision, action, or situation proceeds without regard to a particular factor.

Etymology and grammar: Sõltumata comes from the verb sõltuma, “to depend.” The form -mata conveys a sense of absence of dependence and functions as a fixed expression in many contexts. The usual construction is sõltumata sellest (regardless of this/that) or sõltumata sellest, kas (regardless of whether). The word can introduce clauses, nouns, or noun-like phrases, but it most often governs a following dependent clause.

Usage examples:

- Sõltumata sellest, mis toimub, jätkame plaaniga. (Regardless of what happens, we continue with the plan.)

- Sõltumata sissetulekust on kõigil õigus kvaliteetsele haridusele. (Regardless of income, everyone has the right to quality education.)

- Sõltumata sellest, kes võitis, korraldame ürituse edasi. (Regardless of who won, we will hold the event.)

See also:

- sõltumatu, meaning independent

- sõltuvus, meaning dependence

Sõltumata is a versatile term in Estonian, primarily used to express that outcomes are not constrained by a specified factor.