Vähesem

Vähesem is an Estonian adjective in its comparative form, meaning “less” or “a smaller amount or degree.” It forms part of the standard comparative system of Estonian and is used to compare two quantities or qualities, typically in constructions introduced by kui (“than”).

In practice, vähesem expresses that one item has a lesser degree or smaller extent than another. For example, the sentence See on vähesem probleem kui eelmine kord can be translated as “That is a lesser/lesser problem than the previous time.” The form can modify nouns in appropriate contexts or function within a larger adjectival phrase. In everyday speech, Estonian speakers more often use vähem for “less” or recast the comparison, while vähesem appears more commonly in formal, written, or literary language.

Etymology and related forms: Vähesem is derived from vähe, meaning “a little” or “a few,” with the standard comparative suffix -sem. Related words include vähe (a little, few) and vähene (few, little, scant). The word contrasts with the adverb vähem, which is typically used to express a smaller degree in a non-comparative context.

See also: vähe, vähene, vähem.