võimeks

Võimeks is the translative form of the Estonian noun võime, which means ability, capability, or capacity. In Estonian grammar, the translative case (-ks) marks a change of state, transformation, or designation of a role or status. Accordingly, võimeks expresses “as a capability,” “into the state of being able,” or “in the capacity of an ability.”

Usage and function

Võimeks is used when describing that something or someone is taking on a particular ability or being designated to function in a role connected with ability. It often appears in constructions with verbs of becoming or designation, such as saama (to become) or asuma in a role, where the subject takes on the specified quality. The form is typically used with singular nouns and aligns with other translative forms in the sentence structure.

Relation to related terms

The base noun võime denotes inherent capability, while võimekus refers to overall competence or capability as a quality or state. The translative võimeks differs from the nominative form by signaling a change, assignment, or role, rather than merely describing a characteristic. As with other translative forms, võimeks interacts with the surrounding grammar to indicate the speaker’s view of transformation rather than static property.

Examples

A simple use might appear in a sentence where someone becomes defined by a new ability: “Ta sai võimeks,” meaning roughly “He became capable.” In formal or specialized contexts, võimeks can express designation or assignment of an ability within a given role or situation.

Etymology and scope

Võimeks is formed from võime plus the translative suffix -ks. It is a standard element of Estonian morphology and is used across formal and colloquial registers to convey state change or role assignment related to ability.