Öeldav

Öeldav is a term used in Estonian linguistics to describe a non-finite form of the verb öelda, meaning to say. It denotes something that is to be said or that could be said, and it often functions as a participial adjective rather than as a finite verb form. In this sense, öeldav is sometimes described as a sayable or sayable-to-say form.

Formation and status: The exact morphology of öeldav varies across grammars, but it is generally treated as a non-finite participial form derived from the verb öelda. Some descriptions classify it as a present-style passive participle, while others treat it as an adjectival form used to express potentiality, possibility, or general applicability of utterance. It is typically distinguished from other participles by its focus on what is possible to say, rather than what has already been said.

Usage: Öeldav commonly appears before nouns to modify them, producing phrases like öeldav lause, meaning a sentence that can be said or a sayable sentence. It can also occur in discourse to refer to statements under discussion, hypotheticals, or general propositions. In everyday speech, speakers more often paraphrase with constructions such as what is said or what is to be said, but öeldav appears in descriptive or theoretical language about Estonian grammar and use.

Relation to other forms: Öeldav is contrasted with öeldud, the form that expresses a completed utterance (“said”). Together they illustrate how Estonian uses different non-finite and participial forms to express modality, temporality, and aspect related to utterances.

See also: öeldud, öelda, Estonian grammar, non-finite verb forms, passive participles.