võttes

Võttes is an Estonian non-finite verb form derived from the verb võtta, meaning to take. It functions as a present adverbial participle (gerund) and expresses the circumstance under which another action occurs. In practice, võttes indicates manner, condition, or consideration and is often translated roughly as “taking (something) into account” or “while taking.”

The form is most recognizable in fixed phrases such as arvesse võttes, which means “taking into account.” It can also appear in other constructions with the same sense, for example at the start of a clause: Võttes arvesse kõiki asjaolusid, otsustas kohus süüdistuse rahuldamata jätta. Grammatically, võttes is non-finite: it does not have a subject, number, or tense, and it does not take personal endings. It functions to set the circumstance for the main clause, which remains finite.

In everyday Estonian, võttes is relatively formal and more common in written or official contexts. Speakers may prefer other non-finite forms such as arvestades (considering) or rearrangements of the sentence to express similar ideas. While võttes serves a clear grammatical role, its use tends to be limited to contexts where precise, formal phrasing is desired.