alustama

Alustama is an Estonian verb meaning to begin, to start, or to commence. It is used when indicating the start of an action, process, or event, and can also refer to initiating a project, task, or activity. The sense is often linked to beginning something that will proceed or develop.

Etymology and related forms: Alustama is formed from the word alus, meaning base or foundation, with a common verb-forming suffix. The noun alustus (initiation or launching) and the adjective/aluthused forms are built from the same root. A related noun, alustamine, denotes the act of starting or initiation, and alustaja refers to a starter or initiator.

Usage notes: Alustama is transitive and typically takes a direct object in the genitive or partitive case when naming what is started (for example, a project or task). It is common to specify timing with future or past contexts, such as starting tomorrow or having started earlier. In many contexts, synonyms include hakkama or asuda, but alustama emphasizes the act of starting itself.

Grammatical forms (examples):

- Present: ma alustan, sa alustad, ta alustab, me alustame, te alustate, nad alustavad.

- Past: ma alustasin, sa alustasid, ta alustas, me alustasime, te alustasite, nad alustasid.

- Perfect: olen alustanud, oled alustanud, on alustanud, oleme alustanud, olete alustanud, on alustanud.

- Passive: alustatakse, alustati.

Examples:

- Ma alustan tööd. (I start work.)

- Ta alustas projekti eelmisel nädalal. (He started the project last week.)

- Projekt alustati eile. (The project was started yesterday.)

See article provides a concise overview of alustama, its usage, and basic inflections, with ties to related forms and common contexts.