üksteist

Üksteist is the Estonian word for the cardinal number eleven. It is used in counting, when giving ages, dates, prices, and other numerical expressions. The form is written üksteist and is part of the teen numeral system in Estonian, where eleven through nineteen share a common suffix (-teist) attached to the base that denotes one or the teens.

Etymology and formation: üksteist is formed from the word for one, commonly linked with the ordinal-like teist suffix that creates the teen numbers in Estonian. This pattern mirrors similar Finnic language constructions that denote the numbers just above ten. The pronunciation is typically realized with the stress on the first syllable, though exact phonetics can vary by speaker.

Grammar and usage: In Estonian, cardinal numerals such as üksteist are used directly before the noun they modify and are generally invariable with respect to gender. They participate in standard numerical constructions alongside other cardinal numbers and do not require gender agreement. For example, statements about quantities, ages, or dates commonly incorporate üksteist in combination with other numerals when larger numbers are involved.

See also: kümme (ten) and kaksteist (twelve) as related cardinal numerals in the Estonian numbering system. The word exemplifies how Estonian forms teen numbers through a consistent suffix-based pattern within the Finnic language family.