mõnelgi

Mõnelgi is an Estonian grammatical form used as an emphatic determiner. It is built from mõni ('some') in the adessive form mõnel, combined with the enclitic particle -gi, meaning 'also' or 'even.' The result is a fixed expression that roughly translates to 'in some (cases/places)' or 'even some' and is used to indicate that a statement applies to only a subset of referents rather than to all of them. The form is typically attached to a noun in the adessive case or used before a noun phrase to mark partial applicability.

Usage of mõnelgi is to introduce nuance or contrast, signaling that exceptions or minority examples exist. It is common in written prose and can occur in everyday speech when the speaker wants to acknowledge that the described situation does not apply universally. The phrase often accompanies nouns in the adessive case, giving a sense of locality, circumstance, or portion, rather than making a universal claim. Examples illustrate its sense of partial applicability: Mõnelgi inimesel on raske (For some people it is difficult); Mõnelgi pool on ilm parem (In some places the weather is better); Mõnelgi korral tuleb olla ettevaatlik (In some cases one must be careful).

Etymology and function: the -gi particle adds emphasis and inclusivity, while mõnel functions as the adessive form of mõni. Together, they form a pragmatic device that shades statements to reflect partiality or exceptional instances, rather than presenting a blanket generalization.