arvsõnad

Arvsõnad are a distinct group of words in Estonian grammar that express numbers and order. They are used to count objects, indicate quantity, or specify the position of items in a sequence. The main subtypes are cardinal numbers (kardinaalsed arvsõnad), such as üks, kaks, kolm, and ordinal numbers (järjestus arvsõnad), such as esimene, teine, kolmas. In practice, arvsõnad function as modifiers of nouns and typically appear directly before the noun they describe.

Cardinal arvsõnad denote quantity. They form larger numbers by combining words, for example kakskümmend üks (21), kolmkümmend neli (34). Ordinal arvsõnad indicate position in a sequence and are used for ranking or ordering, for instance esimene päev (the first day), kolmas koer (the third dog). Both types decline to agree with the noun in case and number, following Estonian agreement rules for adjectives.

Usage and placement: arvsõnad usually come before the noun they modify and behave similarly to adjectives in syntactic function. They are essential in counting, specifying quantities, dates, prices, rankings, and dates. They can also appear in numerals used as pronouns in certain constructions, though their primary role remains as numerals modifying nouns.

Forms and formation: Estonian numerals exhibit regular patterns for forming numbers, with unique base forms (e.g., üks, kaks, kolm; sada, tuhat) and standard methods for combining units to express larger numbers. The distinction between cardinal and ordinal numerals is maintained in both form and usage, guiding syntax and agreement with accompanying nouns.

See also: Estonian grammar; parts of speech; numeral systems.