Tähendama

Tähendama is an Estonian verb meaning to mean, signify, or denote. It is used to express what something stands for, whether a word, a sign, a phrase, or an action. In everyday language it commonly appears in sentences like See see tähendab (This means that…) or Sõna X tähendab Y (The word X means Y), where the verb links linguistic content to its interpretation or implication. The word also covers broader significance and can introduce explanations or conclusions in discourse.

Etymology and related forms: Tähendama is related to the noun tähis, meaning sign, and to tähendus, meaning meaning or significance. Related verbs include tähistama, which means to mark, to commemorate, or to celebrate, a different sense from tähendama. The semantic field thus centers on signs, meanings, and interpretation.

Usage notes: Tähendama is a transitive verb used to state what something denotes. It is common in linguistic, philosophical, and everyday contexts when clarifying meaning. In analysis, you may encounter constructions that designate the intended sense of a term, a sentence, or a symbol, for example in discussions of semantics or interpretation.

Examples:

- Sõna "auto" tähendab "car." (The word auto means car.)

- See lause tähendab, et ta ei olnud kohal. (This sentence means that he was not present.)

- Sõna "tähendus" tähendab "meaning." (The word tähendus means meaning.)