Learning Estonian can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. One of the essential aspects of mastering any language is understanding how to compare objects using adjectives. In Estonian, this process is straightforward yet unique, with its own set of rules and nuances. This article will delve deep into the structure, usage, and examples of comparing two objects using adjectives in Estonian grammar.
Introduction to Adjectives in Estonian
Before diving into comparisons, it’s crucial to understand the basics of adjectives in Estonian. Adjectives in Estonian are used similarly to those in English—they describe or modify nouns. They agree with the nouns they modify in case, number, and gender. Estonian adjectives can be used in three degrees: positive, comparative, and superlative.
Positive Degree
The positive degree is the base form of the adjective and is used to describe a noun without making any comparisons. For example:
– ilus (beautiful)
– suur (big)
– väike (small)
Comparative Degree
The comparative degree is used to compare two objects. In English, we add “-er” to the end of the adjective or use “more” before it. In Estonian, the process is a bit different. The comparative form is usually created by adding the suffix “-m” or “-m-” to the adjective. For example:
– ilus (beautiful) becomes ilusam (more beautiful)
– suur (big) becomes suurem (bigger)
– väike (small) becomes väiksem (smaller)
Superlative Degree
The superlative degree is used to compare more than two objects or to show that something is at the highest degree of quality. In English, we add “-est” to the adjective or use “most” before it. In Estonian, the superlative form is created by adding the suffix “-im” to the adjective. For example:
– ilus (beautiful) becomes ilusaim (most beautiful)
– suur (big) becomes suurim (biggest)
– väike (small) becomes väikseim (smallest)
Comparing Two Objects Using Adjectives
When comparing two objects in Estonian, you will primarily use the comparative degree of the adjective. The structure of the sentence will generally follow the pattern: “Object 1 is [comparative adjective] than Object 2.”
Basic Sentence Structure
The basic structure for comparing two objects using adjectives in Estonian is:
– Object 1 + on + comparative adjective + kui + Object 2
Here, “on” is the verb “to be” in the present tense, and “kui” translates to “than” in English. Let’s look at some examples:
1. **Example 1:**
– English: This house is bigger than that house.
– Estonian: See maja on suurem kui see maja.
– Breakdown:
– “See maja” (this house)
– “on” (is)
– “suurem” (bigger)
– “kui” (than)
– “see maja” (that house)
2. **Example 2:**
– English: My car is faster than your car.
– Estonian: Minu auto on kiirem kui sinu auto.
– Breakdown:
– “Minu auto” (my car)
– “on” (is)
– “kiirem” (faster)
– “kui” (than)
– “sinu auto” (your car)
3. **Example 3:**
– English: This book is more interesting than that book.
– Estonian: See raamat on huvitavam kui see raamat.
– Breakdown:
– “See raamat” (this book)
– “on” (is)
– “huvitavam” (more interesting)
– “kui” (than)
– “see raamat” (that book)
Using Irregular Adjectives
Just like in English, some adjectives in Estonian have irregular comparative forms. These do not follow the regular pattern of adding “-m” or “-m-“. It’s essential to memorize these irregular forms as they frequently appear in everyday conversation.
1. **Example 1:**
– Good: hea (positive) becomes parem (comparative)
– English: This cake is better than that cake.
– Estonian: See kook on parem kui see kook.
2. **Example 2:**
– Bad: halb (positive) becomes halvem (comparative)
– English: This movie is worse than that movie.
– Estonian: See film on halvem kui see film.
3. **Example 3:**
– Many: palju (positive) becomes rohkem (comparative)
– English: I have more books than you.
– Estonian: Mul on rohkem raamatuid kui sul.
Comparing Equal Qualities
In some cases, you might want to express that two objects have equal qualities. In English, we use the structure “as [adjective] as.” In Estonian, you use the structure “sama [adjective] kui.”
1. **Example 1:**
– English: This apple is as tasty as that apple.
– Estonian: See õun on sama maitsev kui see õun.
– Breakdown:
– “See õun” (this apple)
– “on” (is)
– “sama maitsev” (as tasty)
– “kui” (as)
– “see õun” (that apple)
2. **Example 2:**
– English: This road is as long as that road.
– Estonian: See tee on sama pikk kui see tee.
– Breakdown:
– “See tee” (this road)
– “on” (is)
– “sama pikk” (as long)
– “kui” (as)
– “see tee” (that road)
Additional Nuances and Tips
Omission of the Second Noun
In some sentences, the second noun can be omitted if it is clear from the context. This is similar to how in English we might say, “This book is more interesting than that,” leaving out “book.”
1. **Example 1:**
– English: This dress is prettier than that.
– Estonian: See kleit on ilusam kui see.
– Breakdown:
– “See kleit” (this dress)
– “on” (is)
– “ilusam” (prettier)
– “kui see” (than that)
Using “Veel” for Emphasis
To emphasize the comparison, you can use the word “veel” (even) before the comparative adjective. This is equivalent to saying “even more” in English.
1. **Example 1:**
– English: This task is even harder than that one.
– Estonian: See ülesanne on veel raskem kui see.
– Breakdown:
– “See ülesanne” (this task)
– “on” (is)
– “veel raskem” (even harder)
– “kui see” (than that)
Special Cases with “Kuigi” and “Kui” Clauses
Sometimes, you might encounter sentences where comparisons are made using “kuigi” (although) and “kui” (when) clauses. These structures can add complexity to your sentences but are useful for expressing nuanced thoughts.
1. **Example 1:**
– English: Although this car is faster, that car is more comfortable.
– Estonian: Kuigi see auto on kiirem, on see auto mugavam.
– Breakdown:
– “Kuigi” (although)
– “see auto” (this car)
– “on” (is)
– “kiirem” (faster)
– “on” (is)
– “see auto” (that car)
– “mugavam” (more comfortable)
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any aspect of language learning, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get comfortable with comparing two objects using adjectives in Estonian.
Exercise 1: Forming Comparative Sentences
Translate the following sentences into Estonian:
1. This coffee is hotter than that coffee.
2. My sister is taller than your sister.
3. This movie is more exciting than that movie.
4. His dog is friendlier than my dog.
5. This street is narrower than that street.
Exercise 2: Using Irregular Comparatives
Translate the following sentences into Estonian using irregular comparatives:
1. This task is better than that task.
2. This weather is worse than yesterday’s weather.
3. I have more friends than you.
4. This book is better than that one.
5. My brother is stronger than your brother.
Exercise 3: Comparing Equal Qualities
Translate the following sentences into Estonian to express equal qualities:
1. This car is as fast as that car.
2. This cake is as delicious as that cake.
3. This room is as big as that room.
4. This test is as difficult as that test.
5. This tree is as tall as that tree.
Conclusion
Understanding how to compare two objects using adjectives in Estonian is a fundamental skill that will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. By mastering the positive, comparative, and superlative degrees of adjectives, and by practicing the structures and nuances discussed in this article, you will be well on your way to becoming proficient in Estonian grammar. Happy learning!
