Õppuses

Õppuses is the inessive singular form of the Estonian noun õppus, meaning an exercise, drill, or training event. The form denotes being inside or taking part in such an activity; for example, “Väeüksus on õppuses” translates roughly as “The unit is in an exercise” or “The unit is in training.”

Õppus is used across domains to refer to planned practice aimed at improving skills, readiness, or coordination. In the military, it commonly designates organized drills and field exercises; in sports and education, it refers to practice sessions or simulated scenarios. The term can also describe the state of organizations or individuals during training periods, e.g., “ta on õppuses” meaning “he/she is in training.”

Etymology: the noun õppus derives from the verb õppima, “to learn,” with the nominal suffix -us. The word has been in use in Estonian to denote practice or drill for several centuries and is part of standard military, educational, and public-service vocabulary.

Related terms include harjutus (a general term for practice or drill) and praktika (practical training or field experience); these words are used in different nuances to distinguish theoretical study from hands-on training.