Õpetajast

Õpetajast is the elative singular form of the Estonian noun õpetaja, meaning "teacher". The elative case expresses origin or starting point, so in this form it can be translated as "from the teacher" or "by the teacher", depending on the construction. It is typically used to attribute information, statements, or actions to the teacher as a source.

The base noun õpetaja denotes a person who teaches, such as a schoolteacher or instructor. It is formed from the verb õpetama (to teach) with the agent suffix -ja. The standard plural is õpetajad, and the elative plural is õpetajatest.

Usage notes: The elative case is used with verbs and phrases that take a source or origin interpretation. Therefore, õpetajast occurs in contexts such as citing guidance or materials coming from a teacher, or describing actions performed by teachers as sources of influence. It is distinct from other cases such as nominative or genitive; the form is chosen by grammatical role rather than meaning alone.

Etymology: The word is native Estonian, derived from õpetama, with the agent suffix -ja, common for occupational nouns like õpetaja (teacher).