reaalsed

Reaalsed is an Estonian adjective form meaning real, actual, or tangible. It is the nominative plural form of the adjective reaalne and is used to describe plural nouns in contexts where the sense is factual or existent, as opposed to imagined or theoretical. The word appears across everyday language as well as more formal or scientific discourse.

Usage examples show its range. Before plural nouns in the nominative case, one might say "reaalsed sündmused" (real events) or "reaalsed tegurid" (real factors). In other grammatical cases, the form changes, for example the partitive plural "reaalseid" as in "reaalseid asju" (real things). The term can describe empirical data, practical considerations, or ontological reality, depending on context. It often contrasts with terms like teoreetiline (theoretical) or kujuteldav (imaginary/fictional).

Etymology and semantic scope: the Estonian word reaalne belongs to a broader international family of words meaning real, with cognates in various European languages. In Estonian, it has solid usage in mathematics, science, and ordinary speech to convey authenticity or factual existence. In mathematical contexts, speakers may combine it with other words to form phrases such as reaalarvud (real numbers), where the root conveys the same core sense of reality or actuality.

See also: reaalarvud (real numbers) and related phrases describing genuine, empirical, or factual aspects in Estonian.