tulekul

Tulekul is an Estonian adjective meaning forthcoming, upcoming, or imminent. It is used to describe events, periods, or developments that are expected to occur in the near future. The term is most common in formal writing, journalism, and planning documents, where it signals that a phase or event is approaching. In everyday speech, speakers may rely on synonyms such as peagi or kavas for a more colloquial tone, but tulekul remains the standard choice in contexts requiring a precise or formal register.

Etymology and form: Tulekul is derived from the verb tulema, “to come,” with a suffix construction that conveys a state related to coming or approaching. The sense is that something is in the process of coming into being or becoming visible, hence “the thing that is coming.”

Usage notes: Tulekul can function as a predicative or attributive adjective describing upcoming phenomena, time periods, or plans. It often appears in planning contexts, forecasts, and retrospective summaries that emphasize what is about to occur. The term is understood across Estonian-speaking communities and is documented in standard dictionaries as meaning imminent or forthcoming.

Relation to other terms: Closest everyday equivalents are words meaning “soon” or “in the works,” such as peagi or kavas, but tulekul carries a stronger sense of timeliness and formality. It is distinct from phrases that describe certainty or schedule, focusing specifically on the proximity of events or developments.

See also: Estonian language, future events, imminent.