püüab

Püüab is the third-person singular present tense form of the Estonian verb püüdma. The verb has two main meanings: to try or to attempt something, and to catch or seize something. The intended sense is determined by the context and by the object that follows.

In grammar, püüab is a finite verb form used in the present tense. It is derived from the stem püüd- and takes the personal ending -ab for the third person singular. The full present-tense paradigm for püüdma is: ma püüan, sa püüad, ta püüab, me püüame, te püüate, nad püüavad. Püüab governs different objects depending on the meaning: with a direct object it can mean catching or grabbing, while in phrases that indicate effort it expresses attempting to do something.

Usage notes include both senses in everyday language. For catching, examples include Ta püüab kala, which can mean “he is trying to catch a fish” or “he catches a fish” depending on aspect. For effort, it can describe striving toward a goal: Ta püüab kooli lõpetada (he is trying to finish school) or Ta püüab ideed ellu viia (he tries to bring his idea to life).

Related forms include the noun püüdmine, referring to the act of catching or the act of trying, and other related phrases that express effort or pursuit. Püüab appears frequently in formal and informal Estonian, contributing flexibility to both literal and figurative meanings.