tähistab

Tähistab is an Estonian verb meaning to celebrate or commemorate an event or occasion, and, in some contexts, to mark or designate something with a sign or ritual. It is the present tense, third-person singular form of the infinitive tähistama. The core sense is to observe or recognize a date, event, or achievement through actions such as ceremony, gathering, or public acknowledgment.

Origin and nuance: The verb derives from tähis, meaning sign or symbol. Historically, tähistama carried the idea of placing a sign to indicate something; in modern usage it most commonly denotes social acts of celebration or commemoration. The term is neutral, but with holidays, birthdays or milestones it conveys festivity. Related words include mälestama (to commemorate in a solemn sense) and märkima (to mark or indicate).

Usage: Typical constructions include ta tähistab sünnipäeva (he/she is celebrating a birthday) and me tähistame jõule (we celebrate Christmas). For events officially observed, one can say sündmused tähistatakse (the events are being commemorated). The noun form tähistamine denotes the act of celebrating or marking, as in “tähistamise traditsioon.”

Grammatical notes: Infinitive tähistama; present tense forms are: mina tähistan, sina tähistad, tema tähistab, me tähistame, te tähistate, nemad tähistavad. Passive form: tähistatakse. Noun: tähistamine.