esmakordse

Esmakordse is a term used in Estonian grammar to express something related to the first occurrence or first experience. It is the genitive singular form of the adjective esmakordne, which describes events, experiences, or actions that happen for the first time. The basic form esmakordne is an adjective formed with the prefix esma- meaning “first” and the noun kord meaning “time” or “occurrence,” with the standard Estonian suffix -ne to make an adjective.

In usage, esmakordse appears in phrases where a genitive noun follows the adjective, or where the noun to be described is in the genitive case. For example, esmakordse kogemuse kirjeldus can be translated as “the description of a first-time experience.” It can also occur in other constructions that express novelty or initiality, such as esmakordse katse meaning “a first attempt.” The sense conveyed is that the event or experience is new to the person or subject being described.

Translations into English depend on context. Esmakordse commonly conveys the idea of “first-time” or “initial.” The exact rendering can vary with the noun and sentence structure, and in some contexts escolhering a phrase like “first-time experience” or “initial attempt” is appropriate.

See also: esmakordne, first-time, Estonian language terminology.