When learning a new language, understanding how to properly use relative pronouns is crucial for constructing complex sentences. This is certainly true for Estonian, a Finno-Ugric language spoken by about 1.1 million people primarily in Estonia. Unlike English, Estonian has its unique set of rules and structures for relative pronouns. In this article, we will delve into the usage of the Estonian equivalents of the English relative pronouns who, which, and that.
Introduction to Relative Pronouns in Estonian
Relative pronouns in Estonian are used to link clauses together, providing additional information about a noun mentioned earlier in the sentence. They serve a similar function to their English counterparts but come with their own sets of rules and nuances. The primary relative pronouns in Estonian are kes (who), mis (which/what), and et (that). Understanding these pronouns will enable you to create more complex and meaningful sentences in Estonian.
Kes: The Estonian Equivalent of “Who”
In Estonian, the word kes is used to refer to people, much like the English word “who”. It is employed in relative clauses to provide more information about a person mentioned earlier in the sentence.
For example:
– “See on mees, kes õpetab matemaatikat.” (This is the man who teaches mathematics.)
Here, kes introduces a clause that gives additional information about “mees” (the man). It’s important to note that kes remains unchanged regardless of gender or number, making it simpler than some other languages that have gendered or plural forms of relative pronouns.
Mis: The Estonian Equivalent of “Which” and “What”
The Estonian relative pronoun mis can be somewhat flexible, serving both as “which” and “what” in English. It is used to refer to things, animals, or abstract concepts.
For example:
– “See on raamat, mis ma lugesin.” (This is the book which I read.)
– “See on asi, mis mind huvitab.” (This is the thing that interests me.)
When referring to non-human entities or abstract ideas, mis is your go-to relative pronoun. Similar to kes, mis remains unchanged regardless of the number or gender of the noun it refers to.
Et: The Estonian Equivalent of “That”
The word et is used in Estonian to introduce clauses that provide additional information, much like the English word “that”. However, unlike in English where “that” can sometimes be omitted, in Estonian, et is usually necessary to maintain the sentence structure.
For example:
– “Ma tean, et ta tuleb.” (I know that he is coming.)
– “On oluline, et sa õpid.” (It is important that you study.)
In these examples, et introduces a clause that adds essential information to the sentence. It’s important to remember that omitting et can often make the sentence grammatically incorrect or lead to confusion.
Usage in Different Cases
Estonian, unlike English, has a rich system of grammatical cases. The relative pronouns kes and mis change their form depending on the case they are in. Understanding how these pronouns behave in different cases is essential for proper usage.
Nominative Case
In the nominative case, kes and mis appear in their base forms:
– “See on tüdruk, kes jookseb.” (This is the girl who is running.)
– “See on auto, mis on punane.” (This is the car which is red.)
Genitive Case
When used in the genitive case, both pronouns take on a different form to indicate possession or association:
– “See on mees, kelle raamat kadus.” (This is the man whose book is missing.)
– “See on maja, mille katus on roheline.” (This is the house whose roof is green.)
Here, kes becomes kelle, and mis becomes mille to show possession.
Partitive Case
In the partitive case, which often indicates partial objects or indefinite quantities, the forms change again:
– “See on tüdruk, keda ma nägin.” (This is the girl whom I saw.)
– “See on asi, mida ma tahan.” (This is the thing that I want.)
Here, kes changes to keda, and mis changes to mida.
Relative Pronouns in Complex Sentences
Relative pronouns are essential for forming complex sentences, allowing you to combine multiple ideas into a single sentence. This not only makes your speech and writing more fluent but also helps in conveying more detailed information.
Combining Sentences with Kes and Mis
Consider the following simple sentences:
– “See on poiss. Ta mängib jalgpalli.” (This is the boy. He plays football.)
– “See on koer. See koer on sõbralik.” (This is the dog. This dog is friendly.)
These can be combined using relative pronouns:
– “See on poiss, kes mängib jalgpalli.” (This is the boy who plays football.)
– “See on koer, mis on sõbralik.” (This is the dog which is friendly.)
Using Et in Subordinate Clauses
Subordinate clauses often provide additional context or details, and et is crucial for forming these in Estonian:
– “Ma arvan, et ta on tark.” (I think that he is smart.)
– “Ma loodan, et sa tuled.” (I hope that you will come.)
In these examples, et helps introduce subordinate clauses that provide more information about the speaker’s thoughts or hopes.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning the correct use of relative pronouns in Estonian can be challenging, especially for English speakers. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Confusing Kes and Mis
One common mistake is using kes when mis is appropriate, or vice versa. Remember that kes is for people, and mis is for things or abstract concepts. Practice by translating simple sentences from English to Estonian and pay attention to the noun being referred to.
Omitting Et
Another frequent error is omitting et in subordinate clauses. Unlike in English, where “that” can sometimes be dropped, in Estonian, et is usually necessary. Always double-check your sentences to ensure that et is included where needed.
Incorrect Case Usage
Using the wrong form of the relative pronoun for the case can lead to misunderstandings. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the different forms of kes and mis in various cases. Practice by creating sentences that require different cases and check your work against reliable resources.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of relative pronouns in Estonian can significantly enhance your ability to communicate more complex and nuanced ideas. By understanding how to use kes, mis, and et correctly, and how they change in different cases, you’ll be well on your way to fluency. Practice regularly, pay attention to the details, and don’t hesitate to seek out additional resources or consult native speakers to refine your skills. Happy learning!
