tõelisi

Tõelisi is an Estonian adjectival form meaning "real" or "true." The adjective derives from the Estonian noun tõeline, which denotes authenticity, genuineness, or facticity. In everyday language, a person might say that something is "tõelisi" to emphasize that it is not deceptive or imaginary but has a real, tangible existence. The form "tõelisi" is the accusative or partitive plural form, often used when referring to multiple items or persons that are authentic.

Its use is comparable to the English term “real” in contexts such as real objects, real people, or real values. For example, a journalist might write that "tõelisi rahakotid" are in excess, meaning real wallets have too much money. In literary texts, the word can carry a slightly philosophical tone, suggesting that the subject possesses an inherent, unvarnished truth.

In contrast to the polite or positive connotation of “arvamuslik” (“opinonal”) or “imagineeritud” (“engineered”), “tõelisi” highlights unmediated, direct experience. The word is also used in compound expressions such as “tõelised vabadus” (real freedom) or “tõelised põhjus” (real cause). In legalese, “tõelised dokumendid” (authentic documents) strictly refers to documents that meet all statutory criteria of validity.

The Estonian language, being part of the Finno-Ugric family, tends to form adjective cases, and "tõelisi" is a clear example of a plural accusative adjective. While some Estonians might prefer the synonym “tõepooliselt” (actually/indeed) in formal contexts, “tõelisi” remains common in spoken registers. It continues to be a staple adjective for distinguishing between imagined or marketable ideas and concrete reality across everyday conversation, media, and literature.