kasutatakse

Kasutatakse is the present passive form of the Estonian verb kasutama, meaning “to use.” It expresses that something is used, typically without naming the agent performing the action. The form is created by adding the passive suffix -takse to the verb stem kasuta- (from kasutama). In this construction, the sentence typically has a generic or unspecified subject, and the action is described rather than who performs it.

Grammatical notes: Kasutatakse is a finite passive form in the present tense. Like other Estonian passive forms, it does not require a fixed subject and can refer to singular or plural contexts depending on the surrounding sentence. The verb is common in formal, technical, and instructional language, where it serves to describe methods, functions, or typical usage.

Usage: The form is widely used in manuals, manuals, academic writing, and online documentation to state how a tool, method, or resource is employed. Examples include: Seda meetodit kasutatakse laialdaselt. (This method is used widely.) And: Konfiguratsiooni seadistamisel kasutatakse valikut “Auto”. (In configuring, the “Auto” option is used.)

Related forms: The infinitive is kasutama; the noun form is kasutamine (use, usage); the past passive participle is kasutatud (used); the adjective usable is kasutatav. Etymology traces to kasutama with the passive suffix, reflecting Estonian’s productive system for marking voice and aspect in non-active clauses.