küsimus

Küsimus is an Estonian noun that means "question" or "issue." It can refer to a sentence or statement posed to obtain information, as well as to a matter that requires consideration, discussion, or a decision. The word is also used more broadly to denote a problem or topic under investigation in various contexts, including everyday speech, education, media, and politics.

Etymology and related forms: Küsimus is derived from the verb küsima, meaning "to ask." It has cognates in other Finnic languages, most notably Finnish kysymys, reflecting the shared linguistic heritage of Estonian and Finnish.

Grammar and usage: The word behaves like a typical Estonian noun. The singular nominative form is küsi mus, and it forms a plural as küsimus ed? The standard plural nominative is küsimused. In sentences, küsi mus can function as the subject or object, just like other nouns. In common phrases, people say, for example, "See on hea küsimus" (That is a good question) or "Ma esitan ühe küsimuse" (I have one question).

Contexts and nuances: In daily conversation, küsi mus marks a request for information or clarification. In education, it appears in exams and assignments to denote questions to be answered. In media and policy discussions, it can refer to an issue or matter requiring debate or resolution. In philosophy or logic, a küsi mus may denote a problem or inquiry to be addressed, shaping the line of reasoning or argument.

See also: The word is closely related to the verb küsima and has a Finnish cognate, kysymys, used analogously to mean "question."