tuntakse

Tuntakse is the passive present tense form of the Estonian verb tuntma, meaning to feel, know, recognize, or perceive. In usage, tuntakse functions as an impersonal construction that asserts a fact or general knowledge without naming a specific agent. It is commonly translated as "it is known," "it is perceived," or "it is generally recognized," depending on context.

The form is especially common in formal, academic, or journalistic prose where generic statements are needed. It often appears with clauses introduced by et to report what is known: for example, tuntakse, et haiguste levik on suurenenud, meaning "it is known that the spread of diseases has increased." It can also introduce nominal phrases such as Seda meetodit tuntakse avalikes ringkondades laialdaselt, meaning "This method is known widely in public circles." The agent responsible for the knowledge is usually left unspecified.

Etymologically, tuntakse derives from the verb tuntma, with the Estonian passive suffix that creates an impersonal statement. In contrast to tuntakse, other similar expressions exist, such as on teada or näib, which convey certainty or appearance in slightly different nuance. While tuntakse emphasizes knowledge or perception by people in general, tuntud as a past participle means “known” as a property, and tuntub expresses an impression or appearance in a more subjective sense.

In summary, tuntakse is a key tool in Estonian for presenting general knowledge or widely accepted facts without attributing them to a specific author or agent. It is most often encountered in formal and informational contexts.