võitjale

võitjale is an Estonian grammatical form that functions as the allative (dative) case of the noun võitja, meaning “winner.” In Estonian, the allative suffix -le marks direction toward or benefit for a person or entity. Therefore võitjale translates as “to the winner” or “for the winner” and is used to indicate the recipient of an action.

The base word võitja comes from võita, meaning “to win,” with the agentive suffix -ja forming the noun “winner.” The allative form is created by adding -le to võitja, yielding võitjale for singular reference. The corresponding plural form is võitjatele.

Usage in sentences centers on identifying the recipient or beneficiary of an action. It is commonly used with verbs that involve giving, sending, or addressing someone. Examples: Žürii andis auhinna võitjale. “The jury awarded the prize to the winner.” Kirjutasin tänukirja võitjale. “I wrote a letter of thanks to the winner.” Auhinnad anti võitjatele. “The prizes were given to the winners.” The form is not used as a subject; it serves to indicate who is affected by the action.

Related forms include võitja (nominative, “the winner”), võitja (genitive/singular contexts), and võitjad (plural, “winners”). The allative form võitjale is one of several case forms used to express relationships of direction, possession, or benefaction in Estonian.