sõnum

Sõnum is a noun in Estonian meaning a piece of information that is communicated from sender to recipient. It can be spoken, written, or digital, and may take various forms such as a message, instruction, or notice. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in technical and professional contexts.

In everyday usage, a sõnum refers to the content conveyed to someone, regardless of the channel. It can be a text message, an email, a voice message, or a spoken remark. The word emphasizes the meaning or information being transmitted rather than the act of communicating itself. In journalism and rhetoric, sõnum can also denote the core message or takeaway of a statement, campaign, or piece of communication.

In technology and telecommunications, sõnum is a unit of data transmitted between systems or applications. In computer networks and messaging services, it serves as the basic payload that carries information from one endpoint to another. Common compound forms include tekstsõnum (text message) and other context-specific phrases that specify the channel or protocol.

Related terms include teade (notice or report) and informatsioon (information). While sõnum highlights the content being conveyed, teade often denotes an official notice or communication. The concept of sõnum is central to both everyday communication and formal information exchange in Estonian.