Tagastuvad

Tagastuvad is a term that appears in certain contexts within the Estonian language. It is a grammatical form related to verbs, specifically indicating a reflexive or reciprocal action. The suffix "-tuvad" is attached to the verb stem to denote that the action is performed by the subject upon itself or by multiple subjects upon each other.

For example, the verb "pesema" means "to wash." When the reflexive suffix is added, "pesetuvad" can mean "they wash themselves" or "they wash each other." The precise meaning often depends on the context of the sentence and the nature of the verb itself. This grammatical feature allows for a more nuanced expression of actions in Estonian.

The use of such suffixes is common in many Indo-European languages, though the specific forms and rules vary significantly. In Estonian, the "-tuvad" ending is one of several ways to express this type of action, alongside other reflexive markers. Understanding this grammatical element is important for comprehending Estonian sentences and accurately conveying intended meanings.