Vocab: ainulaadne

unique

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unique, one of a kind, exceptional

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Building blocks

• ainu - "one," "single," or "unique"

• laadne - "-like" or "-ish"

If you combine the meanings of these two words, “ainulaadne” literally translates to “one-like” or “single-ish”. Idiomatically it has come to mean “unique” or “one of a kind”

How to use it:

1. Describing a unique object or item:

   • "Ta leidis antiigipoest ainulaadse kella." (He found a unique clock in an antique store.)

2. Talking about a one-of-a-kind experience:

   • “Meil oli täna ainulaadne võimalus kohtuda presidendiga.” (Today, we had the unique opportunity to meet the president.)

3. Describing a person's unique qualities or talents:

   • “Ta on ainulaadne muusik, kellel on oma unikaalne stiil.” (He is a unique musician with his own distinctive style.)

4. Discussing a unique place or location:

   • “See rannikuala on ainulaadne oma kauni looduse poolest.” (This coastal area is unique for its beautiful scenery.)

Examples

Me kogesime täna midagi täiesti ainulaadset

Literally: “We experienced today something completely unique”

Idiomatically: “We experienced something completely unique today”

Me - Pronoun - Nominative Pl, "We"
kogesime - Verb - 1P Past Pl, "experienced"
täna - Adverb - Indeclineable, "today"
midagi - Pronoun - Partitive Sg, "something"
täiesti - Adverb - Indeclineable, "completely"
ainulaadset - Adjective - Partitive Sg, "unique"