étlen

"ütlen" is an Estonian verb meaning "I say" or "I will say". It is the first-person singular present tense of the verb "ütlema". The verb "ütlema" is a fundamental part of Estonian vocabulary, used to express speech, communication, or the act of conveying information.

In Estonian grammar, "ütlen" follows the typical conjugation patterns for verbs in the present tense. The infinitive form is "ütlema". The stem of the verb in the present tense is "ütle". Adding the first-person singular ending "-n" results in "ütlen". This form is used when the subject of the sentence is "mina" (I). For example, "Mina ütlen tõtt" translates to "I am telling the truth".

The verb "ütlema" can be used in a variety of contexts. It can refer to speaking aloud, stating facts, expressing opinions, or giving commands. The meaning can be further refined by context or by adding adverbs or prepositional phrases. For instance, "ütlen sulle" means "I say to you", and "ütlen seda uuesti" means "I say that again".

Beyond its literal meaning of speaking, "ütlen" can also be used figuratively. It can imply making a decision or expressing a firm stance. For example, one might say "Ma ütlen, et see on vale" which can mean "I declare that it is wrong" or "I am certain that it is false". The versatility of "ütlen" makes it a crucial verb for everyday communication in Estonian.