tagasta

Tagasta is an Estonian word that serves as the imperative form of the verb tagastama, meaning to return or to give back. Used as a command, tagasta instructs someone to return an item, for example, Tagasta raamat. It is a transitive form and typically takes a direct object.

In addition to tagasta, the verb tagastama has a full set of conjugations and related forms. The present tense forms include tagastan (I return), tagastad (you return), tagastab (he/she returns), tagastame (we return), tagastate (you return), and tagastavad (they return). The noun forms include tagastus, meaning a return or restitution, and tagastamine, the act of returning. The prefix tagasi expresses “back” or “backwards,” and tagastama is built from this element combined with the infinitive suffix -ma.

Usage notes: Tagasta appears commonly in everyday Estonian, including libraries, rental services, and shops, as well as in polite requests such as Palun tagasta see homme (Please return this tomorrow). The imperative tagasta is most often used in direct, singular address; for plural or more formal contexts, tagastage is used.

Etymology: Tagasta derives from tagastama, formed with the suffix -ma for the infinitive and the element tagasi meaning “back.” It is a standard example of Finnic verb formation patterns in Estonian.

See also: tagastus, tagastamine, tagasi. There is no widely recognized international place or organization named Tagasta; when encountered as a proper noun, it would be a local or brand name rather than a common term.