õnnitleda

õnnitleda is an Estonian verb meaning to congratulate. It is used to express good wishes and to acknowledge someone's success, achievement, or a happy occasion. The verb is conjugated according to standard Estonian grammar rules. For example, the first-person singular present tense is õnnitlen (I congratulate), and the third-person singular past tense is õnnitles (he/she congratulated).

The act of õnnitleda is a common social custom in Estonia, similar to congratulating someone in other cultures. It can be done verbally, in writing, or through gestures. People õnnitlen each other on various occasions such as birthdays, name days, holidays, weddings, graduations, and professional accomplishments.

The word itself is derived from the root "õnn," which means happiness or luck. Therefore, õnnitleda literally implies wishing someone happiness or good fortune. The most common phrases used with õnnitleda include palju õnne (many congratulations/happy birthday/happy [holiday]), and õnnitlused (congratulations, as a noun). The direct object of õnnitleda is usually in the genitive case, indicating the person or event being congratulated. For instance, one might say "Ma õnnitlen sind sünnipäeva puhul" (I congratulate you on your birthday).