infinitiivivormid
Infinitiivivormid is Estonian terminology for the non-finite verb forms that name actions without signaling time, person, or mood. In Estonian there are two main infinitive forms: the ma-infinitive and the da-ta infinitive. Both forms can function as the basis of clauses or as nouns, but they appear in different syntactic contexts and with different nuances.
Formation and basic characteristics
- Ma-infinitive: formed by adding the suffix -ma to the verb stem. It is the more productive and
- Da-ta infinitive: formed by adding -da or -ta to the stem, with phonological adjustments in some
- Both forms are non-finite and do not convey tense or explicit subject. They can appear in non-finite
- The ma-infinitive is the default choice in many constructions, especially those expressing purpose, obligation, or intention,
- The da-ta infinitive appears in a subset of verbs or syntactic contexts and may carry distinct
Nominalization and related forms
- The ma-infinitive commonly yields noun-like derivatives with -mine (the act of doing X). The da-ta form