Future Tense in Estonian Grammar: Forms and Usage

Basic Conjugation of Verbs in the Future Tense

Estonian grammar offers intriguing complexities and nuances even in the construction of the future tense. Understanding how to conjugate verbs in the future tense is critical for mastering Estonian, and this requires familiarity with the fundamental patterns.

To create the future tense in Estonian, the verb is conjugated according to three main steps:

1. Begin with the verb in its main form (the infinitive, for instance).
2. Remove the final “-ma” or “-da” to establish the stem of the verb.
3. Add the appropriate future tense marker according to either the active or passive voice, as well as the person and plurality.

Active Voice Future Tense Markers

In the active voice, the following markers depict the subject and plurality:

1. First person singular: -n
2. First person plural: -me
3. Second person singular: -d
4. Second person plural: -te
5. Third person singular: -b
6. Third person plural: -vad

Passive Voice Future Tense Markers

In the passive voice, these markers indicate future tense:

1. Singular: -takse
2. Plural: -takse

Examples of Future Tense Conjugation

To provide a clearer understanding of the conjugation rules for the future tense in Estonian grammar, let us consider examples of various verbs.

Active Voice Conjugation Examples

1. Verb: to read/ lugema:
– I will read: ma loen
– We will read: me loeme
– You will read (singular): sa loed
– You will read (plural): te loete
– He/she will read: ta loeb
– They will read: nad loevad

2. Verb: to arrive/ saabuma:
– I will arrive: ma saabun
– We will arrive: me saabume
– You will arrive (singular): sa saabud
– You will arrive (plural): te saabute
– He/she will arrive: ta saabub
– They will arrive: nad saabuvad

Passive Voice Conjugation Examples

1. Verb: to be read/ loetama:
– It will be read (singular): see loetakse
– They will be read (plural): need loetakse

2. Verb: to be arrived/ saabutama:
– It will be arrived (singular): see saabutakse
– They will be arrived (plural): need saabutakse

Negation in Estonian Future Tense

Negation is also an essential component of Estonian grammar, and it alters how the future tense is conjugated. Instead of attaching a future tense marker to the verb stem, the negative auxiliary verb “ei” is used in combination with the main verb’s present tense form.

Example of Negation in Future Tense

1. Verb: to read/ lugema:
– I will not read: ma ei loe
– We will not read: me ei loe
– You will not read (singular): sa ei loe
– You will not read (plural): te ei loe
– He/she will not read: ta ei loe
– They will not read: nad ei loe

Conclusion

The future tense in Estonian grammar can be complex but rewarding as you become more familiar with its rules and structures. By mastering the conjugation of verbs and understanding the active and passive voice, as well as negation, students will acquire essential skills for effective communication in Estonian.