kohdataan

Kohdataan is an Estonian verb form used to express that something is encountered or faced in a general or impersonal sense. It is the present passive form of the verb kohdata, meaning to encounter or meet. In standard usage, kohdataan is employed when the subject performing the action is indefinite or unknown, or when the emphasis is on the encounter itself rather than the agent.

In practice, kohdataan appears in descriptions of experiences, events, or phenomena that people or groups face. It is common in formal writing, journalism, and narrative prose when the writer wishes to focus on what is encountered rather than who encounters it. The construction often aligns with an impersonal tone and can pair with various complements in different cases, depending on what is being encountered.

Examples of usage include: "Sel korral kohdataan mitmeid raskusi." (This time, many difficulties are encountered.) "Töö käigus kohdataan erinevaid probleeme." (During the work, various problems are encountered.) "Uurimused kohdataan märkimisväärset vastupanu." (Studies encounter significant resistance.)

Etymology and form: kohdataan is derived from the verb kohdata and uses a passive/impersonal ending common in Estonian for describing events or conditions without specifying an agent. The form is frequently found in descriptive or analytical texts and can be contrasted with the active equivalents when the actor is known or emphasized.

See also: Estonian grammar, passive voice, encounter.