Vahvem

Vahvem is the comparative form of the Estonian adjective vahva, which broadly means strong, brave, or impressive. It is used to indicate that something possesses more of these qualities than something else, and can describe people, actions, or things.

Grammatical note: vahvem is the standard comparative form, and it generally agrees with the noun in number. In plural constructions the form often appears as vahvemad when describing multiple things that are more remarkable. The comparative is typically used with the word kui to introduce the comparison, as in ta on vahvem kui tema vend (he is braver/stronger than his brother).

Nuances and usage: vahvem emphasizes strength or courage, or a higher degree of impressiveness, depending on context. In everyday speech vahva can carry connotations of being nice or stylish as well, and vahvem can intensify that sense when making comparisons. The choice between vahva and vahvem is guided by the intended degree of comparison rather than a fixed set of contexts.

Etymology and related forms: vahva is a native Estonian adjective, and vahvem is its grammatical comparative form. Related forms and distinctions—such as the base vahva and potential superlative forms formed by standard Estonian patterns—are part of normal adjective inflection in Estonian.

See also: vahva, parem, tugev, Estonian grammar.