Töölist

Töölist is the singular partitive form of the Estonian noun tööline, meaning "worker." In Estonian grammar the partitive case is used to mark incomplete or partial actions, indefinite quantities, objects of certain verbs and negation, and to express duration or ongoing processes. As the partitive of tööline, töölist appears in constructions where these functions are required.

Morphologically, tööline (nominative) becomes töölist in the singular partitive. The form is used whenever a verb or sentence context governs the partitive; for example, Vajan töölist (I need a worker) and Ma ei leia töölist (I cannot find a worker). It contrasts with the nominative tööline and other case forms that indicate definiteness, location, direction or possession.

Usage of töölist follows regular patterns of Estonian declension for -ne stem nouns and is taught in introductory Estonian grammar as a basic example of the partitive. The partitive case is one of the most frequently used in Estonian and plays a central role in aspectual distinctions and object marking. Understanding the function of töölist helps learners interpret and produce clauses that encode partiality, negation, or ongoing action involving agents described as workers.