lihtsalt

Lihtsalt is an Estonian adverb meaning simply, just, or without fuss. It is used to convey straightforwardness, minimalism, or insistence on a uncomplicated approach to a situation or action.

In usage, lihtsalt is written as a single word and typically placed before the verb or adjective it modifies. Examples include: “Lihtsalt tee see” (Just do it), “Lihtsalt ära muretse” (Just don’t worry), and “See on lihtsalt hea” (This is simply good). It can appear at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, especially in informal speech or online writing.

Register and tone: lihtsalt is common in informal spoken Estonian and in informal written communication, such as blogs or social media. It is not standard in formal or official language, where more neutral constructions like “lihtsalt” or “ainult” might be preferred depending on context.

Etymology and form: lihtsalt is a fixed, colloquial compound word formed from the root meaning “easy” (liht) and a particle-like element that contributes to its discourse function. While its exact historical development is not exhaustively documented, it is widely treated as a single lexical item in modern Estonian.

See also: Estonian adverbs, colloquial language, informal registers.