õpetusi

Õpetusi is the partitive plural form of the Estonian noun õpetus, which is commonly translated as “teaching,” “instruction,” or “doctrine.” The term is used to refer to multiple teachings or pieces of guidance associated with a person, tradition, text, or institution. In everyday language it can denote both broad doctrines and concrete instructions or guidelines. In religious, philosophical, or educational contexts you may encounter phrases like mitmeid õpetusi or erinevad õpetused to indicate several or varied teachings.

The sense of doctrine or belief, particularly in religious or ideological contexts, is a major use of the word. In educational or instructional settings, it can also refer to curricular materials or didactic content presented as guidance. Examples include discussing the teachings of a tradition, or describing the instructions given for a task. The word is flexible enough to cover both abstract beliefs and practical guidance.

Etymology and related terms: the word stems from the Estonian root õpe, linked to teaching and learning, and the verb õppima/õpetama (to learn, to teach). Related forms include õpetaja (teacher), õpetlik (didactic), and õpetus itself as a broad label for instruction or doctrine. The form õpetusi specifically is used when speaking of “some teachings” or “certain instructions” in the partitive plural; nominative plural is õpetused.

Translations into English typically render õpetusi as “teachings” or “doctrines,” with nuance based on context—philosophical or religious beliefs versus practical instructions.