töölaudaks

Töölaudaks is the translative form of the Estonian noun töölaud, which means a workbench or work table. In Estonian grammar, the translative case marks a change of state or a shift into a particular role, roughly conveying “as a …” or “into a …” in English. The form töölaudaks signals that something is being used in the capacity of a workbench or is described as becoming or functioning as a workbench.

Formation and spelling: The translative suffix is typically realized as -aks, which is appended to the base noun. For compound words like töölaud, the suffix attaches to the entire base, yielding töölaudaks. The exact spelling follows standard Estonian phonology and vowel harmony rules.

Usage: Töölaudaks appears in contexts describing transformation, function, or role. It can be used with verbs of becoming or designation, such as muutuda töölaudaks (to become a workbench) or kasutada töölaudaks (to be used as a workbench). It contrasts with other cases that denote location, ownership, or instrument, which are expressed with different suffixes or constructions.

Notes: As with other translative forms in Estonian, pronunciation and exact usage can vary by speaker and region. In formal writing, consult a grammar reference for precise rules and examples.

See also: Estonian translative case; Estonian noun declension; compound nouns.