Tähistada

Tähistada is an Estonian verb meaning to commemorate, to celebrate, or to mark an event or occasion. It is used for both personal celebrations, such as birthdays or anniversaries, and for public or official events, like national holidays or commemorations. The nuance can range from festive marking to solemn remembrance, depending on context.

Etymology: The verb is derived from the noun tähis, meaning sign or mark, and is formed with the infinitive suffix -da. Historically, it conveyed “to mark with signs” and later acquired the broader sense “to celebrate or commemorate.”

Usage: Tähistada is transitive and typically takes an object, for example tähistada midagi or tähistada sündmust. Common collocations include tähistada sünnipäeva, tähistada iseseisvuspäeva, or tähistada jõule. In speech and writing you may find imperative forms such as tähista or tähistage. Past tense forms include tähistasin, tähistasid, tähistas; the participle is tähistanud. Passive forms exist as well, such as on tähistatud, though these are less common in everyday use.

Context and nuance: While tähistada emphasizes marking a date or event with some form of celebration or ceremony, mälestama emphasizes memory and honoring of the past. The term is widely used in journalism, education, culture, and government communications when referring to ceremonies, anniversaries, or holidays.