Õpitava

Õpitava is an Estonian word that functions as an adjective or participial descriptor, meaning roughly “to be learned” or “learnable.” It is formed from the verb root associated with learning, with the suffix -atav, which gives a sense of potential or suitability for study. The term is commonly used in educational and linguistic contexts to describe material, content, or tasks designated for study.

In use, õpitav describes things that are intended to be studied. For example, phrases such as õpitava sisu and õpitava materjali refer to content or material that is to be studied. The form õpitava specifically appears as the genitive singular of the adjective, used to modify a noun in genitive: for instance, õpitava sisu or õpitava materjali.

Morphology notes are typical for Estonian adjectives: while õpitav is the base form, it declines like other adjectives. Common forms include nominative plural õpitavad, genitive plural õpitavate, and partitive singular õpitavat, among others. The word is often contrasted with õppiv, the active participle meaning “the one who studies,” and with the verb õppima (to study) from which the concept is derived. Related terms in education include õppija (learner) and õpe (education).

Etymologically, õpitav derives from the learning-related root with the -atav suffix, a productive pattern in Estonian for creating adjectives that express potential or suitability. It appears mainly in instructional texts, dictionaries, and formal descriptions of study materials or curricula. See also: õppima, õppija, õpe.