Üksildasele

Üksildasele is an Estonian allative form of the noun üksildane, meaning a beggar or pauper. In English it can be understood as “to the beggar” or “for the beggar,” indicating the recipient or direction of an action.

Grammatical notes: In Estonian, the allative case is formed with the suffix -le. The allative singular of a noun based on the stem of üksildane yields üksildasele. This form is used with verbs of giving, addressing, or directing action toward the beggar, for example: Ma annan leiba üksildasele (I give bread to the beggar). The usage is more common in formal or literary contexts and appears in historical texts and folklore.

Etymology and usage context: Üksildane is a native Estonian word for a person living in poverty—a beggar or pauper. The term appears in traditional literature and proverbs to evoke themes of poverty, charity, and social obligation. In modern standard Estonian, more general terms like vaene or inimene in need are often preferred, but üksildane remains recognizable in historical or poetic language.

Cultural note: The concept of giving to the needy has a long-standing presence in Estonian culture, including tales and songs that reflect attitudes toward poverty and charity. The form üksildasele may be encountered when quoting older texts or studying Estonian grammar and historical usage.

See also: vaene, üksildane, allatiiv.