õrnad

Õrnad is the plural form of the Estonian adjective õrn, meaning delicate or tender. It is used to describe things that require gentle handling or possess a subtle, refined character. The term can apply to physical characteristics, sensory experiences, and abstract qualities.

In everyday language, õrnad describes both tangible objects and impressions. For example, õrnad lilled refers to delicate flowers, and õrna lõhna to a delicate or subtle scent (the related form õrna appears in phrases like õrna lõhna, with the noun often forming possessive or instrumental phrases). The word commonly appears in descriptive writing, poetry, and polite conversation to convey gentleness, fragility, or refinement.

Grammatically, õrnad functions as a standard Estonian adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies in number. When used with plural nouns in the nominative case, the form remains õrnad. Like other Estonian adjectives, its endings change with case, number, and definiteness, but its basic meaning remains tied to delicacy or tenderness.

Etymologically, õrn is a native Estonian word. It is related to the concept of tenderness expressed by the noun õrnus, which denotes tenderness or gentleness. The pair õrn and õrnus appears in various languages of the Finnic family with related yet distinct nuances of care, softness, and fragility.

See also: õrnus, delicate, tenderness.