koorijad

Koorijad is an Estonian noun meaning “choristers” or “choir members.” The word is formed from koor, meaning “choir,” with the agentive suffix -ija to denote a person who is associated with that noun, and the plural ending -ad, giving koorija (singular) and koorijad (plural). In practice, koorijad refers to the individual singers who belong to a choir, and can denote the members of a specific choir or chorister groups in general.

In usage, koorijad is a neutral term common in discussions of choral activities, concerts, and program notes. It emphasizes the people who perform rather than the institution of the choir itself. For example, a report on a performance might refer to “koorijad esinesid” (the choristers performed) or “koorijad harjutavad iga nädal” (the choir members rehearse every week). The term can appear in media, academic writing, and cultural commentary where precise reference to the singers is needed.

Related terms include koor (choir), koorijuht (choir conductor), and koorilaul (choral singing). While koorid refers to multiple choirs as organizations, koorijad focuses on the individuals within those ensembles.

In English-language contexts, koorijad is typically translated as “choristers” or “choir members.” The word is used primarily in Estonian-language sources to describe people participating in choral music.