jätke

Jätke is an Estonian verb form used as the polite plural imperative of the verb meaning “to leave” or “to leave behind.” In everyday use it functions as a command or request addressed to more than one person or to a single person in a formal register. It is commonly encountered in signs, forms of address in customer service, and formal instructions.

As a grammatical form, jätke instructs recipients to perform the action of leaving or letting something remain in a specified state. The negative imperative of the same verb is formed with ära before the verb, for example, Ärge jätke seda ainsaks, meaning “Do not leave this here.” The form jätke is thus integral to polite or formal communicative styles in Estonian.

Usage notes and examples:

- Jätke raamat lauale. (Please leave the book on the table.)

- Jätke ukse kinni. (Please leave the door closed.)

- Ärge jätke seda märkamata. (Do not leave that unnoticed.)

Etymology and related forms:

Jätke derives from the Estonian verb jätma/jätta, aligned with the standard -ke ending used for the polite or plural imperative in many -ta/-ta- verbs. Related forms include jätke, jätkege (less common as a separate form), and the corresponding negative imperative Ärge jätke.

In usage, jätke functions across formal communication, instruction, and public signage, maintaining a neutral, courteous tone consistent with Estonian etiquette in official or service contexts.