kauplevad
Kauplevad is the present active participle plural of the Estonian verb kauplema, meaning to trade. It functions as an adjective or a predicative phrase that describes a person or group engaged in trading. In standard Estonian, the common noun for a trader is kaupleja, with kauplejad as the plural; kauplevad is less commonly used as a standalone noun and is primarily a participial form.
Morphology and usage: The form is created by adding the suffix -vad to the verb stem kauple-,
Usage notes: In everyday language, speakers typically prefer kauplejad for literal “traders.” Kauplevad is more common
- Kauplevad inimesed otsisid uusi turge. (The traders [people who trade] sought new markets.)
- Kauplevad ettevõtted otsisid partnerlusi ja laienemisnõuandeid. (Trading companies sought partnerships and expansion advice.)
- Laadal olid esindatud mitu kauplevad organisatsiooni. (Several trading organizations were represented at the fair.)