Sõnapõhi

Sõnapõhi is an Estonian linguistic term referring to the root or stem of a word. It represents the unchanging core of a word to which grammatical suffixes are attached to create different grammatical forms or new words. Understanding the sõnapõhi is crucial for analyzing Estonian morphology and word formation.

For example, in the word "majades" (in houses), the sõnapõhi is "maja" (house). Suffixes like "-de" (plural genitive) and "-s" (inessive case) are added to this base to form the complete word. Similarly, in "lugesin" (I read), the sõnapõhi is "luge-" (read). The suffix "-sin" indicates the first person singular past tense.

The sõnapõhi can sometimes undergo slight changes, known as vowel harmony or consonant gradation, when suffixes are added. These changes are systematic and follow predictable patterns within Estonian grammar. Identifying the sõnapõhi allows speakers and learners to break down complex words into their fundamental components, aiding in comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. It is a fundamental concept in the study of the Estonian language.