lemmik

Lemmik is an Estonian noun with the primary senses of “favorite” and “pet.” It denotes something or someone that is particularly dear or preferred by a person. The word is used for people as well as objects and animals in affectionate contexts. For example, one might say “See raamat on minu lemmik” (This book is my favorite) or “Ta on mu lemmik” (They are my beloved one). Lemmik also occurs in compounds such as lemmikloom, meaning “pet” or a domesticated animal kept for companionship.

In practice, lemmik can refer to a beloved person, a cherished object, or a pet, depending on context. The plural form lemmikud can indicate multiple favorites or loved ones; for talking about several pets, the standard term is lemmikloomad. The word is widely used in everyday speech, media, and literature to describe celebrities, characters, or things regarded as especially dear.

Lemmik is native to Estonian and is understood across formal and informal registers. While its exact etymology is not always detailed in common references, it is regarded as a basic term in Estonian vocabulary relating to affection and preference. See also lemmikloom for the specific animal sense.