Defining Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns in Estonian grammar serve as the connecting words between a main clause and a dependent clause, which provide extra information about the noun being discussed. Unlike English relative pronouns such as ‘who,’ ‘which,’ and ‘that,’ Estonian relies on the use of different forms of the demonstrative pronoun „see“ to convey the same meaning.

Forms and Functions of Estonian Relative Pronouns

Estonian relative pronouns derive from the different declensions of the demonstrative pronoun see (‘this’ or ‘that’). The forms depend on the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify. Here are common Estonian relative pronouns:

• kes: used for singular subjects
• mis: used for singular objects or beings
• keda: used for singular objects in the partitive case
• kellega: used for people or objects in the comitative case
• millal: used for temporal expressions
• millest: used to provide a reason or explanation
• mida: used for plural objects
• milliseid: used for plural objects in the partitive case

These pronouns enable the speaker or writer to create complex sentences by connecting the main and dependent clauses, while simultaneously elaborating on the subject, object, or related concepts.

Estonian Relative Pronoun Usage: Examples and Explanations

To help illustrate the proper usage of relative pronouns in Estonian grammar, let’s dissect some examples:

1. Ta on arst, kes töötab haiglas. (He is a doctor who works in a hospital.)

In this example, ‘kes’ refers to the subject, the doctor, and connects the two clauses.

2. Mina ostan raamatu, mida sa soovitasid. (I will buy the book that you recommended.)

Here, ‘mida’ is used as the object pronoun and connects the clauses.

3. Käisime restoranis, millal meie sõber töötab. (We visited the restaurant where our friend works.)

In this case, ‘millal’ serves as the temporal expression, referring to the location where the friend works.

Common Estonian Relative Pronoun Challenges and Consistency

One common challenge when using Estonian relative pronouns is maintaining case agreement between the main and dependent clauses. For example, when using partitive case for the object pronoun ‘mida,’ it should consistently apply to both clauses. Another challenge arises when differentiating between singular and plural forms when using relative pronouns, which requires understanding the context and proper agreement.

Overall, mastering the usage of relative pronouns in Estonian is an essential component of effective communication, as it enables the creation of complex sentences and provides clarity and additional information about the subject or object being discussed.