Täheldan

Täheldan is an Estonian verb meaning to notice, perceive or become aware of something. It is used for both sensory perception and cognitive realization, such as noticing a detail, detecting a change, or recognizing a fact. The sense can be passive observation or active realization, and it is often used when the speaker wants to emphasize a detection that stands out or requires attention.

Grammatical notes: Täheldan is the first-person singular present tense form of täheldama. The infinitive is täheldada. Common present tense forms include täheldan, täheldad, täheldab, täheldame, täheldate, täheldavad. Past tense forms include täheldasin, täheldasid, täheldasime, täheldasite, täheldasid. Participles include täheldatav (present active participle) and täheldatud (past passive participle). The verb follows standard Estonian -da verb conjugation patterns, and it can take a subordinate clause introduced by et to report what is noticed.

Usage notes: Täheldan is suitable for formal and descriptive contexts as well as everyday speech. It often appears in written language, journalism, and academic prose when a speaker wants to describe a perceptual or cognitive finding. It is close in meaning to märkan (to notice) but can carry a nuance of careful observation or realization.

Examples:

- Ma täheldan, et see on muutunud. (I notice that this has changed.)

- Täheldasin, et ta rääkis vaiksemalt kui tavaliselt. (I noticed that he spoke more softly than usual.)

Etymology and related forms: Täheldan derives from täheldama, a native Estonian verb. Related terms include täheldamine (perception/notice), and synonyms such as märgata and avastada, which emphasize different shades of noticing or discovering.