püüan

Püüan is the first-person singular present tense form of the Estonian verb püüdma. The verb püüdma has several related meanings, most commonly “to try/attempt” and “to catch/pursue.” Consequently, püüan can translate as “I try” or “I am trying,” and in contexts involving catching or pursuing it can also convey a sense of “I catch” or “I am trying to catch,” depending on the sentence.

Usage in Estonian typically relies on context to determine whether the sense is effort or pursuit. For example, with an infinitive following it, püüan expresses an attempt to perform an action (I try to understand). In cases related to catching or pursuing, the sense aligns with the verb’s other meanings, again guided by objects or adjuncts in the clause.

Morphology and related forms: püüan belongs to a regular present-tense paradigm for the verb püüdma. Other present-tense forms include püüad (you try), püüab (he/she/it tries), püüame (we try), püüate (you all try), and püüavad (they try). The imperative singular is püüa (“try!”). Related nouns include püüd (an attempt or pursuit), püüdmine (catching or pursuit), and püüdlus (endeavour).

Etymology and classification: püüdma is a Finnic verb, and püüan is the standard 1st-person form used in contemporary Estonian. The word appears across various registers, from everyday speech to formal writing, and is a common element in constructions expressing effort, intention, or pursuit.