tantsima

Tantsima is an Estonian verb meaning to dance. It is the infinitive form formed from the noun tants (dance) plus the common Estonian -ima infinitive suffix. The verb is used to describe the action of dancing and appears in everyday speech, literature, and media.

Etymology: The word tantsima comes from the noun tants with the -ima infinitive suffix. The noun tants is connected to historical terms for dance in European languages and reflects shared roots for dance words. The related noun tantsimine refers to the act of dancing.

Grammar: Tantsima is a regular -ima verb in Estonian. In the present tense, it follows standard person and number endings: ma tantsin (I dance), sa tantsid (you dance), ta tantsib (he/she dances), me tantsime (we dance), teie tantsite (you all dance), nemad tantsivad (they dance). The past tense is formed with personal endings, for example ma tantsisin (I danced). The imperative form is tantsi (dance) or tantsige (dance, formal/plural). The infinitive can combine with other words to express aspects like hakkama tantsima (to start dancing) or tantsima minema (to go dancing).

Usage and context: In Estonian, tantsima is used for both casual dancing and more formal dance contexts, including folk and contemporary dance. The term appears in education, culture writing, and everyday conversation. It also features in expressions about dance as a hobby, performance, or art form.

See also: Estonian language; tants (dance); tantsimine (dancing as an activity); dance in Estonia.