usaldan

Usaldan is the Estonian verb usaldama in the first-person singular present tense, meaning to trust or to entrust. It denotes placing confidence in a person, idea, or action, or delegating responsibility to someone. The form is commonly used in everyday speech to express reliance, faith, or endorsement.

Etymology: Usaldan is derived from the infinitive usaldama, which itself comes from the noun usaldus, meaning trust or confidence. The linkage between trust and action is expressed through this verb family in Estonian.

Usage and examples: Usaldan requires a subject that performs the act of trusting and can take a direct object referring either to a person or to an abstract object. Common present forms include ma usaldan, sa usaldad, ta usaldab, me usaldame, te usaldate, nad usaldavad. Example: Ma usaldan sind. This sentence translates as “I trust you.” Another example: Ta usaldas mulle oma saladuse, meaning “He entrusted me with his secret.”

Related forms: Infinitive — usaldama; noun — usaldus (trust, confidence); adjective — usaldusväärne (trustworthy, credible). The verb is part of a broader set of Estonian expressions around trust and reliability, such as discussing whether someone is usaldusväärne or referring to usaldus on a person or institution.

See also: Estonian language; usaldus; usaldusväärne; usaldama.