Interrogative Pronouns: An Overview

Interrogative pronouns are essential components of the Estonian language, as they are in any other language. They serve to form questions and inquire about specific information. Just like other pronouns, interrogative pronouns are used to replace nouns or noun phrases in sentences. The primary interrogative pronouns in Estonian include kes (who), mis (what), kumb (which), milline (what kind), and mitu (how many).

Usage of Interrogative Pronouns

Each interrogative pronoun has a distinct function and helps form different types of questions in Estonian. Let’s examine their usage in detail.

Kes: Asking About People

The pronoun kes is used to ask questions about people. The English equivalent of ‘kes’ is ‘who’. For example:

• Kes sa oled? – Who are you?
• Kes seda raamatut loeb? – Who is reading this book?

Mis: Seeking Information

When you need to ask about objects, ideas, or ask for general information, the pronoun mis comes into play. ‘Mis’ can be translated as ‘what’ in English. For example:

• Mis see on? – What is this?
• Mis kell on? – What time is it?

Kumb: Choosing Between Two Options

When you have to choose between two options, the interrogative pronoun kumb is employed. It translates to ‘which’ in English. For example:

• Kumb pliiats sulle meeldib? – Which pencil do you like?
• Kumb neist on sinu arvuti? – Which one of these is your computer?

Milline: Describing Qualities

If you wish to inquire about the quality or characteristics of an object or person, you can make use of milline, which corresponds to ‘what kind’ in English. For example:

• Milline film sulle meeldis? – What kind of film did you like?
• Milline on sinu lemmikvärv? – What is your favorite color?

Mitu: Counting Quantities

To query the quantity or amount of something, employ the pronoun mitu. In English, it translates to ‘how many’. For example:

• Mitu raamatut sul on? – How many books do you have?
• Mitu tundi peame ootama? – How many hours do we have to wait?

Interrogative Pronoun Practice Exercises

To help solidify your understanding of interrogative pronouns in Estonian grammar, consider practicing with the following exercises:

1. Translate these questions into Estonian:
   • Who is that man?
   • What is your name?
   • Which book should I read?
   • What kind of food do you serve?
   • How many languages do you speak?
2. Create questions using each interrogative pronoun and answer them in Estonian.

By now, you should have a comprehensive understanding of interrogative pronouns in Estonian grammar. With practice and consistency, you will become more comfortable incorporating these essential pronouns into your daily Estonian conversations. In conclusion, mastering interrogative pronouns is crucial to forming meaningful questions and obtaining information in the Estonian language, making it an indispensable aspect of learning and knowing.