korralik

Korralik is an Estonian adjective meaning proper, decent, or satisfactory. It is used of people, behavior, and things that are in good order or meet reasonable standards. In everyday speech it conveys a positive, but not extravagant, evaluation and can describe quality, conditions, or conduct.

Usage examples include “korralik inimene” (a decent person), “korralik töö” (a proper job), and “korralik summa” (a substantial amount). The form is versatile: it can modify nouns and, in compounds, form adverbial phrases such as “korralikult” to mean properly or adequately. The word also supports gradation, with forms like korralikum (more proper) and kõige korralikum (most proper) in standard Estonian; it commonly appears in both attributive and predicative positions.

Etymology and notes: korralik is a native Estonian adjective formed with the productive suffix -lik, indicating the quality of being in a prescribed state. It is widely used across formal and informal language and can carry mild approval in many contexts, depending on tone and context. The term does not inherently carry strong negative connotations, though its strength of praise can vary with circumstance.

See also: korra, kord, korrapärane, korraldama.