igaüks

igaüks is an Estonian pronoun meaning "everybody" or "everyone." It is formed from the words iga ("every") and üks ("one") and functions as a universal reference to all individuals within a group. In typical use it is treated as singular in grammar, even though it denotes multiple people, and it commonly appears as the subject of a sentence.

Usage and examples: igaüks is common in both everyday speech and formal writing. For example, "Igaüks saab osa võtta" translates to "Everyone can participate." Another example is "Igaüks vastutab oma tegude eest," meaning "Each person is responsible for their actions." The term is frequently employed in inclusive language to emphasize universality while acknowledging individual identity within the group.

Variation and register: igaüks is versatile and can appear across registers, from casual conversation to journalism and education. In some contexts, it coexists with the broader pronoun kõik, which also means "everyone" but carries a slightly different emphasis, often more on the group as a whole rather than on individuals within it.

Cultural and linguistic note: as a common part of Estonian, igaüks is widely understood and taught as part of basic vocabulary. It remains a convenient and efficient way to reference people collectively without naming them, while preserving a sense of individual participation within the collective.

See also: kõik; iga inimene; inclusive language.