vaikimine

Vaikimine is an Estonian noun meaning the state of silence or the act of refraining from speaking. It can refer to literal quietness in an environment as well as to the deliberate act of staying silent in a conversation or during a ceremony.

Etymology: The word is derived from the verb vaikima, meaning “to be silent,” with the noun suffix -mine. Related forms include vaikne (quiet), vaikiv (silent), and vaikus (silence).

Usage: In everyday language, vaikimine describes situations of silence, such as pauses in speech or quiet surroundings. It is also used for formal moments of silence, for example during commemorations or moments of remembrance.

Cultural and social aspects: In Estonian culture, silence can be associated with restraint and contemplation, but as in many languages its use is highly context-dependent and can serve various communicative purposes, from showing respect to signaling disengagement.

Related terms: vaikus (silence), vaikne (quiet), and phrases such as hetk vaikust (moment of silence).