ajalause
Ajalause is a grammatical term used in Estonian linguistics to denote a subordinate clause that expresses temporal relations in relation to the main clause. It is equivalent to the English term “temporal clause” or “time clause.” Ajalause indicates when an action occurs, how long it lasts, or the sequence of events, and it is typically introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
Common subordinating conjunctions for ajalause include kui (when), enne kui (before), pärast kui (after), kuni (until),
- Kui ta saabub, alustame koosolekut. (When he arrives, we will start the meeting.)
- Ta lõpetas töö pärast seda, kui kolleeg lahkus. (He finished work after the colleague left.)
- Enne kui ta lahkus, ütles ta head meelt. (Before he left, he said goodbye.)
The tense and aspect of the verb in the ajalause align with the temporal perspective relative to
See also: Subordinate clause, Temporal clause, Estonian grammar.