tutvuda

Tutvuda is an Estonian verb meaning to become acquainted with or to get to know someone or something. It is used to describe the act of meeting new people, learning about a topic, or familiarizing oneself with a place, system, or procedure. The action implies some degree of familiarity or initial exposure.

Usage and nuance: Tutvuda is commonly used when a person initiates contact with another person or when approaching a new subject. It can refer to social introductions as well as informal or formal learning experiences. In sentences, the recipient of the acquaintance is typically expressed with a comitative form such as kellegagi (with someone). Examples include expressing that you have gotten to know someone, or that you are going to get to know a new colleague or topic.

Examples: Ma tutvusin temaga. (I got acquainted with you / I became acquainted with him or her.) Me peame tutvuma uue kolleegiga. (We need to get acquainted with the new colleague.)

Etymology and related terms: Tutvuda is cognate with Finnish tutustua, and both share roots in the broader Finnic language family. Related Estonian terms include tutvus (an acquaintance), tutvustus (an introduction), and tutvumine (the process of getting acquainted).

Usage notes: The word is common in everyday speech as well as in written contexts when describing first contacts, introductions, or initial familiarization with people, organizations, or concepts. It is distinct from verbs meaning merely meeting someone for the first time without implying any ongoing familiarity, though in practice the exact nuance depends on context and accompanying expressions. See also tutvus, tutvumine, tutvustus.