Teatud

Teatud is an Estonian adjective meaning "certain" or "particular." It introduces specificity without naming all members of a set and is used to refer to a defined subset in relation to some broader context.

Usage: It typically precedes a noun, as in teatud inimene or teatud juhud. It can also appear predicatively after the copula, as in See on teatud probleem. The expression teatud määral means "to a certain extent," and teatud juhtudel means "in certain cases," while teatud inimestele means "to certain people." These phrases show how teatud can modify both nouns and phrases to convey restricted applicability.

Grammar: Like other Estonian adjectives, teatud agrees with the noun in number and case. The base form teatud is used in the nominative, while endings are added to align with the noun’s case. For example, teatud inimene (a certain person) and teatud inimesed (certain people) illustrate singular and plural nominative usage.

Etymology and notes: Teatud is a native Estonian adjective that expresses restriction or specification. In modern Estonian it contrasts with more absolute descriptors like kindel (certain, definite); teatud implies that only a subset is involved rather than the entire set. It is a common term in both written and spoken language to indicate particularity without naming specifics.