kerge

Kerge is an Estonian adjective meaning light, not heavy, and is also used in a broader sense to describe mild or easy characteristics. It can refer to physical weight, as in objects that are light, and to non-physical qualities, such as tasks, experiences, or conditions that are not demanding or intense. In usage, kerge agrees with the noun it modifies, following standard Estonian adjective inflection.

In metaphorical or evaluative contexts kerge often translates to easy or gentle. Phrases such as kerge töö (an easy job) or kerge elu (an easy life) illustrate its flexible sense. The word can appear in various compound expressions to convey lightness or simplicity without changing its core meaning. As with many Estonian adjectives, kerge forms part of the descriptive layer of a sentence rather than functioning as a standalone noun.

Etymology and related forms: kerge is a native Estonian word, typical of Finnic languages. It is related to the broader Finnic semantic field of lightness and ease, with cognates in neighboring languages that express similar ideas of weight, brightness, or simplicity.

Other uses: Kerge is also found as a surname in Estonia, written with a capital K. It is markedly less common as a given name. Outside Estonian-speaking contexts, the word is not widely used as an independent term, though it may be encountered in language studies or translations involving Estonian text.

See also: keveys, keveus, keveä (Finnic cognates related to lightness and ease).