jõudu

Jõudu is an Estonian noun that conveys the idea of strength, power, or force. It can refer to physical strength, stamina, or more abstract notions such as energy, influence, or effectiveness. In everyday language, it is used in both concrete and metaphorical senses, including sports, work, and motivational discourse.

Grammatically, the word jõud is the base form, and jõudu is the partitive singular form. This form is commonly used with quantifiers or in statements about an indefinite amount of strength, for example, Tal on palju jõudu (He has a lot of strength). The partitive form also appears in phrases describing endurance or effort in contexts such as sports or exercise.

In usage and culture, jõudu is a familiar term in fitness, athletics, and self-improvement talk, where vitality and resilience are valued. It also appears in idiomatic expressions and prose to evoke vigor, perseverance, or the capacity to overcome challenges. The concept is widely understood in Estonian public life, reflecting a cultural emphasis on stamina and capability.

The word is native to Estonian and belongs to the Finnic language family. Its core meaning has remained stable, though the exact nuances can shift with context—from literal physical strength to figurative power or momentum in various pursuits.