Töötav

Töötav is an Estonian adjective formed from the verb töötama, meaning to work. It describes something that is currently functioning, operating, or in active use. The present active participle form is commonly used as a modifier before a noun, for example töötav masin (a machine that is operating) and töötav tarkvara (software that runs).

In technical and everyday language, töötav emphasizes actual operation rather than potential capability. It signals status, such as a device that is switched on and performing its function. The term is often contrasted with toimiv, which focuses on general functionality or reliability, and with mitte töötav meaning not working.

Grammar and usage: töötav is declined to agree with the noun, as in töötava masina, töötava seadme, or töötava programmi. It can be used predicatively with verbs like on or töötab, for example Seade on töötav (the device is operating) or Programm töötab hästi (the program runs well).

Context and nuance: töödav is common in engineering, electronics, information technology, and product documentation. While it overlaps with terms such as toimiv and töötab, töötav specifically marks current operation rather than a general assessment of quality. The word is treated as a neutral descriptor of active function in dictionaries and corpora.