Söömiseks

Söömiseks is an Estonian non-finite verb form derived from the verb sööma, meaning “to eat.” The form is created by adding the suffix -miseks to the infinitive, producing a gerund-like construction that expresses purpose or intended use. In English, it can be translated roughly as “for eating” or “in order to eat.”

The -miseks form is part of a broader pattern in Estonian where non-finite verb forms convey purpose or function. It appears with various verbs to indicate why an action is performed or what something is intended for. Related forms include lugemiseks (for reading) and kirjutamiseks (for writing), illustrating a common way to express instrumental or purposive intent.

Usage examples illustrate its purposive meaning:

- Söömiseks on vaja lauda katta. (To eat, it is necessary to set the table.)

- Toit on valmis söömiseks. (The food is ready for eating.)

- Ta läks kööki söömiseks. (He went to the kitchen to eat.)

Söömiseks is not a standalone finite predicate; rather, it modifies actions or objects to indicate their intended use. It sits alongside other Estonian non-finite forms such as the noun-based Söömine (the act of eating) and various instrumental phrases formed with different verbs.

See also: sööma, non-finite verb forms in Estonian, infinitive constructions, -miseks suffix, causative and purposive forms in Estonian grammar.