omadussõnad

Omadussõnad, known in English as adjectives, are a fundamental part of the Estonian language, as they are in many others. They function to describe or modify nouns and pronouns, providing additional information about their qualities, characteristics, or states. Essentially, they answer questions like "milline?" (what kind?) or "kumba?" (which one?) about the noun they are associated with.

Estonian omadussõnad exhibit a significant degree of inflection, meaning they change their form based on the grammatical case, number, and in some instances, the definiteness of the noun they modify. This agreement is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences. For example, an adjective describing a singular noun in the nominative case will have a different ending than one describing a plural noun in the genitive case.

The placement of omadussõnad typically precedes the noun they modify, although in certain poetic or emphatic contexts, they might follow. They can also function predicatively, appearing after a copular verb like "olema" (to be) to describe the subject of the sentence. Understanding the agreement rules and typical usage of omadussõnad is essential for both comprehending and producing fluent Estonian. They enrich sentences by adding detail and specificity, painting a clearer picture for the reader or listener.