Vocab: ootamatu

unexpected

unexpected, unforeseen

Building blocks

• ootama - to wait

• -tu - a adjective-forming ending (expresses the absence of a quality)

It’s derived from the Estonian verb “ootama” (to wait) by adding the adjective-forming ending "-tu.". This ending expresses the absence of a quality. Therefore, "ootamatu" literally translates to "un-waited" or "unanticipated." This aligns with the meaning of the word, as something that happens unexpectedly is something that one does not wait for.

The word “ootama” (to wait) is derived from Proto-Finnic odottadak.

How to use it

Here are some ways you can use it in different contexts:

1. Describing Events:

   • "Ootamatu uudis šokeeris kõiki." Translation: "The unexpected news shocked everyone."

2. Expressing Reactions:

   • Example: "Tema naeratus oli ootamatu" Translation: "His smile was unexpected."

3. Unexpected Changes:

   • Example: "Ilm oli täna ootamatu – äkki hakkas sadama vihma." Translation: "The weather today was unexpected – suddenly, it started raining."

4. Surprising Situations:

   • Example: "Ootamatu kohtumine tekitas temas suurt rõõmu." Translation: "The unexpected encounter brought great joy to him."

Examples

Ootamatu külaline tuli meile külla

Literally: “Unexpected quest came us-on visit”

Idiomatically: “An unexpected quest came to visit us”

Ootamatu - Adjective - Nom Sg, "Unexpected"
külaline - Noun - Nom Sg, "guest"
tuli - Verb - 3P Past Sg, "came"
meile - Pronoun - Allative Pl, "us-on"
külla - Noun - Short Illative Sg, "visit"

Esimene lumesadu oli tänavu väga ootamatu

Literally: “First snowfall was this year very unexpected”

Idiomatically: “The first snowfall this year was very unexpected”

Esimene - Adjective - Nom Sg, "First"
lumesadu - Noun - Nom Sg, "snowfall"
oli - Verb - 3P Past Sg, "was"
tänavu - Adverb - "this year"
väga - Adverb - "very"
ootamatu - Adjective - Nom Sg, "unexpected"