üldsõnaline

Üldsõnaline is a linguistic term used in Estonian grammar to refer to common nouns, i.e., words that denote general classes of objects rather than specific, uniquely identifiable entities. Examples of üldsõnaline nouns include koer (dog), inimene (person), raamat (book) and vabadus (freedom). In contrast, proper nouns name particular entities or places, such as Tallinn, Tartu või Eiffeli torn.

Üldsõnaline nouns are inflected for number and case like other Estonian nouns. They do not have grammatical gender. They may be used with numerals or determiners to express quantity or reference, but Estonian generally lacks an explicit definite article; definiteness is conveyed through context, case marking, or accompanying adjectives and pronouns. The typical Estonian noun-case system (nominative, genitive, partitive, illative, inessive, elative, allative, adessive, ablative, ablative, translative, abessive, comitative, etc.) applies to üldsõnaline nouns.

In grammar practice, üldsõnaline serves as the broad category for nouns that refer to generic beings or objects, as opposed to those that denote specific names. The distinction between üldsõnaline (common/general noun) and the class of proper nouns is important for understanding agreement, article-like signaling, and reference in sentences. While many üldsõnaline words are countable and can take plural forms, usage often depends on whether the speaker intends a general class or a particular subset within that class.

See also: nimisõna (noun), proper nouns in Estonian grammar, Estonian noun declension.