üldnomen

Üldnomen is a term used in Estonian linguistics to describe a noun that denotes a general class of entities rather than a single item. It is used to express generic meaning, category reference, or habitual statements and is often contrasted with referential nouns that point to specific instances or with proper nouns that name individuals.

Properties and usage of üldnomen vary across languages, but a common feature is that such nouns can convey a generic reading without relying on definite articles or specific determiners. In Estonian, generic reference is frequently achieved with bare forms and plural constructions, allowing statements about a class as a whole rather than about particular members. For example, linnud laulavad (Birds sing) and loomad vajavad vett (Animals need water) can carry generic readings about the classes rather than about any single bird or animal. Vesi on eluks vajalik (Water is essential for life) illustrates a mass-noun generic statement.

Semantics and syntax of üldnomen are closely tied to how languages encode generality, universals, and habitual actions. The same noun can be read generically or referentially depending on context, quantifiers, and grammatical cues. In many languages, generic reference is expressed by bare plurals or mass-noun readings, while other languages may employ articles, classifiers, or inflection to signal the generic sense. The notion parallels the broader concept of generic or class nouns in cross-linguistic descriptions of noun classes and noun phrases.

See also: common noun, mass noun, generic noun, pluralia tantum.