küsimussõnadega

Küsimussõnadega is a term used in Estonian grammar to describe sentences that begin with interrogative or question words. These words, kúsimussõnad, are used to ask for specific information and can introduce direct questions or embedded (indirect) questions within larger sentences. The main idea is that the content of the question is signaled by the question word, such as who, what, where, or how.

Common Estonian question words include kes (who), mis (what), kus (where), millal (when), miks (why), kuidas (how), kui palju (how much/how many), milline (which/what kind). Some forms change to fit case or number as the sentence requires, for example, kelle (whose), kellele, kellel, etc. Question words can stand at the beginning of a clause, followed by the verb and the rest of the sentence, or they can appear in embedded clauses within statements.

Direct questions formed with esses of küsimussõnadjada usually end with a question mark. Example: Kes see on? Mis see on? Kus sa elad? Kuidas see töötab? Kui palju see maksab? In these sentences the question word is fronted and the clause seeks specific information.

Indirect questions use the same question words but appear inside declarative sentences, often without a question mark. Example: Ma küsin, kes see on. Ta tahab teada, kus ta töötab. See kasutamine on common in both spoken and written Estonian, including everyday conversation and formal writing.

Küsimussõnadega laused are central to information exchange in Estonian, enabling speakers to inquire about persons, objects, places, times, reasons, methods, quantities, and qualities. They are essential for clarity in communication and for learning language structure.