üllatus

Üllatus is an Estonian noun meaning surprise or astonishment. It denotes the feeling prompted by something unexpected, as well as the event or occurrence that causes that feeling. In everyday use, üllatus covers both the internal emotional reaction and external surprises, such as a gift, a sudden change, or decorations that create astonishment.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb üllatama, to surprise. The abstract noun form is built with the suffix -us, a common Estonian pattern for states or qualities. Üllatus is closely related to the Finnish yllätys, reflecting their shared Finnic origin.

Usage: The term is common in both spoken and written Estonian. It can describe a feeling of surprise as well as the surprise itself. It participates in compounds such as üllatuspidu (a surprise party) and in various fixed expressions related to unexpected events.

See also: Finnish yllätys; Estonian language; Emotion in language.