nähtakse

Nähtakse is an Estonian verb form meaning "is seen" or "can be seen." It is the present passive form of the verb nägema (to see) and represents the third person singular in passive voice. In Estonian, the passive is used to describe observations or states without specifying an agent, so nähtakse translates to a general, impersonal statement such as "it is seen" or "one sees."

Morphology and usage

The passive present in Estonian often appears with the suffix -takse. Nähtakse is formed from the verb stem näge- (or näe-, depending on analysis) plus this suffix, producing a neutral, objective expression. Because it is passive, the doer of the seeing is not identified, making nähtakse suitable for descriptions, reports, and statements about visibility, appearance, or observable facts.

Typical contexts

Nähtakse is frequently found in neutral or formal text, including news reporting, scientific descriptions, signage, and descriptive prose. It can introduce information that is inferred from observation or stated as a general truth, without attributing the action to a specific observer. For example, it may appear in sentences like "Nähtakse, et olukord paranes," meaning "It is seen that the situation has improved."

Relation to other forms

Nähtakse is part of the broader system of Estonian passive forms, which includes other suffix patterns such as -akse or -takse, depending on the verb class. It is closely related to adjectives like nähtav (visible) and to the concept of visibility in Estonian grammar.