Usaldage

Usaldage is the imperative plural form of the Estonian verb usaldama, meaning to trust or entrust. It is used when addressing multiple people, instructing them to place trust in someone or something or to entrust a task or responsibility.

Grammatical notes: As an imperative, usaldage expresses a command or request directed at you all. It governs objects that follow, for example Usaldage mind (trust me) or Usaldage oma andmed meile (entrust your data to us). The singular imperative form is usalda, used when addressing one person.

Etymology: The form comes from the verb usaldama, built from the root usald- with the infinitive suffix -ama. Related noun usaldus means trust or confidence.

Usage: Usaldage is more common in formal, official, or persuasive language where a collective directive is appropriate. In everyday speech, speakers may prefer softer or alternative constructions, such as Palun usaldage meid (please trust us) or passive constructions like meie kätte usaldatakse teie andmed (your data will be entrusted to us). The choice of usaldage can convey politeness or formality, depending on context and intonation. Translations into English typically render it as “trust (you all)” or “entrust (you all).”