kasvatama

Kasvatama is an Estonian verb meaning to cause to grow, to raise, to cultivate, or to develop. It is a transitive verb used with a direct object, such as plants, animals, or people. The basic sense is to foster growth or development through care, cultivation, or nurturing.

Etymology and range: The verb is built on the root kasv- meaning “to grow,” with the infinitive suffix -ta. Related forms include kasvatus, meaning cultivation or upbringing, and kasvamine, referring to the process of development or education. The term covers both physical growth (plants, animals) and social or personal development (upbringing, skills).

Usage and nuance: In agriculture or gardening, kasutamiseks is common in phrases like kasvatan taime (I am growing a plant) or kasvatama köögivilju (to grow vegetables). In family or educational contexts, kasvama is used for upbringing or developing character, as in kasvatama lapsi (to raise children) or arendada oskusi (to develop skills). The sense can also be figurative, such as kasvatuslikult ideede arendamiseks (to cultivate ideas).

Grammar: Kasvatama is a regular verb of the Estonian verb class that forms standard tense and mood through person markers, e.g., kasvatan (I grow/raise), kasvatad (you grow/raise), kasvatab (he/she grows/raises), etc., with corresponding past and perfect forms.

See also: Kasvatus (cultivation, upbringing), kasvamine (development), kasvatused ja kasvatusteadus (pedagogy and related studies).