kuuleb

Kuuleb is an Estonian verb form meaning “he/she/it hears.” It is the third-person singular present tense of the verb kuula/kuulda meaning to hear or to listen. In Estonian, kuuleb is used when referring to someone perceiving sounds or information in the present. The related forms show the standard present tense conjugation: ma kuulen (I hear), sa kuuled (you hear), ta kuuleb (he/she/it hears), me kuuleme (we hear), te kuulete (you hear), nad kuulevad (they hear). This pattern is common for verbs of perception in Estonian.

Usage and examples:

Kuuleb is typically followed by a direct object in the accusative or by a clause describing what is heard. Examples include: Ta kuuleb linnulaulu (He/she hears birdsong). Ma kuulen su häält (I hear your voice). Ta ei kuule mind (He/she does not hear me). The form can also appear in subordinate clauses, such as when reporting what someone hears or is listening to.

Etymology and scope:

Kuuleb derives from the Estonian root kuul- connected with hearing. It is one of the core periphrastic forms used in everyday speech to convey audible perception, rumor, or comprehension in real time. Like other Estonian verbs, kuuleb participates in regular subject-verb agreement and follows standard negation patterns (e.g., Ta ei kuule).

See also:

- kuulema, kuulda, kuulata (related Estonian verbs for hearing and listening)

- Estonian verb conjugation and perception verbs

In summary, kuuleb functions as a common present-tense form indicating that someone hears something, and it appears across a wide range of everyday contexts.