äratada

äratada is an Estonian verb meaning to wake someone up or to arouse, evoke, or stimulate in a broader sense. In literal use it describes causing wakefulness in a person or animal, while in figurative use it can mean to arouse interest, curiosity, or enthusiasm. The word is commonly found with a direct object referring to the person or thing being awakened or prompted.

In typical sentences, äratada conveys the act of making someone wake up or become alert. For example, it can describe waking someone at a specific time or prompting action from someone. Figuratively, it is used with objects such as interest or curiosity, as in phrases that mean to arouse or stimulate attention or engagement.

Grammatically, äratada is a regular Estonian -ta verb and follows standard conjugation patterns for transitive verbs of this class. The exact forms change with tense, mood, and person, but the stem remains recognizable as ärata-. It commonly takes a personal object when used literally (the person who is woke) and can pair with time expressions or cues in that context.

Etymologically, äratada is part of the Estonian verbal system that contains causative and wake-related roots typical of Finnic languages. It is closely related to other wake-related verbs in Estonian, including the intransitive form that denotes waking oneself. In usage, it contrasts with muodusten more passive or reflexive terms such asärgata or ärkama in contexts that emphasize waking from sleep versus prompting action or interest.

See also: äratama, ärkama, huvi äratamine. Translations vary by context, from “wake up” to “arouse” or “stimulate.”