käigul

Käigul is an Estonian term used to describe a status in which something is currently in operation, underway, or ongoing. It functions as an adjective-like expression formed from the noun käik (move, operation, phase) and the adessive ending -l, signaling “on the move” or “in operation.”

In usage, käigul appears in technical, administrative, and everyday contexts to indicate that a process or object has not yet reached completion. Examples include sentences like “Projekt on käigul” (The project is underway) and “Masin on käigul” (The machine is running). It is common to contrast this state with terms such as valmis (completed) or peatatud (stopped). The phrase “töö käigus” is another frequent way to express that work is in progress, and it conveys a similar sense of ongoing activity.

Etymology and grammar: käigul derives from käik, meaning a move, operation, or phase, with the adessive suffix -l expressing location or state (“on”). In practice, käigul is used as a predicative or attributive modifier to designate the current status of an entity, especially in technical reporting, project updates, and logistical descriptions. It is distinct from related forms like käigus (during) and may appear in varied constructions to emphasize ongoing status.

See also: käik, käima, töö käigus, progress, in operation.