väikseks

Väikseks is the translative singular form of the Estonian adjective väike, meaning small or little. In Estonian grammar, the translative case marks a change of state or condition, roughly equivalent to “to become small” in English. Väikseks is therefore used in predicative constructions with verbs of becoming, most commonly with the verb saama (to become) — for example, ta sai väikseks, meaning “he/she became small.” It can also occur in other predicates describing a state reached through transformation.

In addition to its role in vernal predicates, väikseks appears in set phrases such as väikseks ajaks, meaning “for a short time” or “for a while.” These phrases express temporary states or transitional periods rather than a lasting change of size.

Morphology: väike has the translative form väikseks. The form does not encode gender; Estonian adjectives do not show gender agreement, though number and case are relevant. The translative is one of several cases used with adjectives to indicate state change.

Usage notes: The translative form is common in written Estonian, especially in narrative or descriptive contexts. With animate subjects, the sense of becoming small may emphasize physical change; with inanimate subjects, it stresses a temporary or transitional state.

See also: väike; translatiiv; Estonian grammar; saama.