käsku

Käsku is an Estonian noun meaning an order or command. It denotes an instruction issued by someone in a position of authority that is expected to be followed. The form käsku is commonly seen as the genitive singular of käsk and appears in constructions such as käsku andma, meaning to issue or give an order. In everyday language, käsk can refer to simple directions as well as formal commands; in legal, military, police, and organizational contexts, it is used for explicit mandates.

Etymology and related forms: Käsk is cognate with Finnish käsky, reflecting a shared Finnic heritage. The two words come from a common Finnic root and illuminate the historical links between Estonian and Finnish vocabulary for authority and instruction.

Usage and nuance: Käsk emphasizes an directive issued by an authority and carries an implication of obligation to comply. It is often contrasted with broader terms such as korraldus (a directive or arrangement) or määrus (a regulation or decree). The choice of word can reflect nuance in formality, scope, and legal force.

See also: Finnish käsky; Estonian vocabulary related to law and governance.