tuntud

Tuntud is an Estonian adjective meaning known or famous. It describes something or someone that is widely recognized or familiar to many people. The term can apply to people, places, works of art, brands, or ideas, and it is used in neutral, descriptive contexts. Examples include Ta on tuntud kunstnik (He is a well-known artist) and See on tuntud linn (This is a famous city).

Etymology and function: The word is a past participle form derived from the verb tundma or tunda, meaning to know or to feel, and it functions as an adjective in standard Estonian. It is commonly used attributively before a noun or predicatively with a linking verb.

Usage notes: Tuntud carries a neutral to descriptive nuance, while kuulus more strongly conveys fame or celebrity status. Collocations include tuntud inimene, tuntud teos, tuntud ettevõte, all meaning a known person, work, or company. The expression tuntud kui is used to say someone is known as a particular figure, for example, Ta on tuntud kui parim õpetaja (He is known as the best teacher).

Declension: Like other Estonian adjectives, tuntud agrees with the noun in number and case. For example: tuntud inimene (singular nominative), tuntud inimesed (plural nominative); tuntud inimese (singular genitive), tuntud inimeste (plural genitive); etc. This agreement ensures proper grammatical form across sentences.

See also: Estonian grammar; adjectives; participles.