tundub

Tundub is an Estonian verb meaning “to seem” or “to appear.” It is used to express that something appears to be the case, based on perception, information, or inference. The construction is often impersonal, as in the common phrase “tundub, et …” which translates to “it seems that …” or “it appears that …” and is used to hedge statements in both speech and writing. It can also modify adjectives or nouns directly, as in “tundub hea mõte” (it seems like a good idea).

Grammar and usage notes: In the present tense, the form is tundub for singular subjects and tunduvad for plural subjects. The past tense is tundus. The verb tends to introduce a subordinate clause with et, but it can also stand before an adjective or noun to express evaluation, for example “Tundub mõistlik” (It seems reasonable) or “Tundub, et ta on väsinud” (It seems that he is tired). Tundub often carries a nuance of subjective impression rather than objective certainty, making it a common hedging device in formal and informal discourse.

Related terms and nuances: Tundub is closely related to other Estonian verbs that express appearance or perception, such as paistab and näib, which can be similar but carry slightly different shades of outward appearance versus internal perception.

See also: Estonian grammar, hedging language, perception verbs.