elatiivkäsu

An elatiivkäsu, often translated as a "relative clause" in English linguistics, is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or pronoun. It functions similarly to an adjective, providing additional information about the noun or pronoun it refers to. Elatiivkästud are found in many languages, although their specific grammatical structures and the ways they are introduced can vary.

In Estonian, for example, elatiivkästud are typically introduced by relative pronouns such as kes (who/which for people) or mis (which for things). These clauses follow the noun or pronoun they modify and are often set off by a comma. The verb within an elatiivkäsu agrees with the noun or pronoun it modifies. For instance, "Mees, kes maja ehitas, on minu naaber" translates to "The man who built the house is my neighbor." Here, "kes maja ehitas" is the elatiivkäsu modifying "Mees."

The function of an elatiivkäsu is to specify or identify the noun or pronoun. They can be restrictive, meaning they are essential for identifying the noun, or non-restrictive, providing additional, non-essential information. Understanding elatiivkästud is crucial for comprehending complex sentence structures and for accurate translation and language learning. They add depth and detail to sentences, allowing for more precise communication of ideas.