Essive case in Estonian
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HideWhen to use the essive case in Estonian?
The essive case (olev kääne in Estonian) indicates in what capacity or form something/someone performs an action. It answers the questions kellena? 'as who?' and millena? 'as what?'.
- See naine oli lapsena väga ilus. --- This woman was very pretty as a child.
- Mu õde töötab õpetajana. --- My sister works as a teacher.
- See harjutus tundub raskena. --- This exercise seems (like it's) hard.
- Ta tunneb end väga tähtsana. --- He feels (like he is) very important.
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How to form the essive case in Estonian?
The ending -na must be added to the genitive.
| Nominative | Genitive | Essive | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Külm | Külma | Külmana | Cold |
| Arst | Arsti | Arstina | Doctor |
| Haige | Haige | Haigena | Sick |
| Inimene | Inimese | Inimesena | Person |
| Mees | Mehe | Mehena | Man |
An adjective which modifies a noun in the essive case does not agree with the noun. Instead it takes the genitive form.
- Ta tuli kasiinost tagasi vaese (gen.) mehena (ess.). --- He came back from the casino as a poor man.
- Ta on alati käitunud ausa (gen.) inimesena (ess.). --- He has always behaved as an honest person.
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