kolmepäevane

Kolmepäevane is a Estonian adjective meaning three days old. It is used to describe the age of a person, animal, or object that has existed for three days since birth or creation. The term is commonly found in medical, childcare, and everyday contexts where precise age in days is relevant.

Etymology and form: The word is a compound formed from the numeral kolm (three) and the word päev (day) with the adjectival suffix -ane, yielding kolmepäevane. Adjectives of this type decline like other Estonian adjectives. In singular nominative it appears as kolmepäevane; feminine and neuter forms align with the noun it modifies. In plural nominative it becomes kolmepäevased, and in the singular genitive it is kolmepäevase.

Usage notes: Kolmepäevane is most natural when the exact age in days is pertinent, such as in medical records, childcare notes, or product labeling. It is commonly used with nouns referring to living beings (for example, beebi, laps) as well as with inanimate objects where age in days matters. While precise, the term is standard and widely understood in formal and informal Estonian.

See also: kaheaastane (two-year-old) and other age-related adjectives formed with the -ane suffix, as well as general guidance on Estonian adjective declension and the use of day-based age qualifiers in documentation.