In Batches (-kaupa)
Lapsed läksid bussi kahekaupa means The children got on the bus two at a time. Kaupa says what size each group is.
How It Works
Kaupa tells you how something is divided or handled: one unit at a time, or in groups of a certain size. The word before it is in the genitive.
- kahekaupa or kahe kaupa: two at a time, in pairs
- tükikaupa: piece by piece
- meetri kaupa: by the meter
- osade kaupa: in parts, in installments
Plural: a lot, for a long time. After a plural genitive, kaupa often stresses how much or how long: tundide kaupa (for hours on end), päevade kaupa (for days), sadade kaupa (by the hundreds). It can still mean one part at a time, as in osade kaupa.
Together or apart?
- After a one-word singular genitive, both are correct: paarikaupa or paari kaupa, päevakaupa or päeva kaupa.
- With another word in front, write it apart: viie päeva kaupa.
- After a plural genitive, always write it apart: aastate kaupa, kuude kaupa.
Viisi is a synonym, with the same spelling rules: liitriviisi or liitri viisi (by the liter).
Examples (6)
- Lapsed läksid bussi kahekaupa.
The children got on the bus two at a time.
- Kangast müüakse meetri kaupa.
Fabric is sold by the meter.
- Laenu saab tagasi maksta osade kaupa.
The loan can be paid back in installments.
Word by Word: loan can back pay parts by
- Ta istub tundide kaupa arvuti taga.
He sits at the computer for hours on end.
After the plural genitive tundide, kaupa stresses a long time.
- Suvel tuleb saartele turiste sadade kaupa.
In summer, tourists come to the islands by the hundreds.
- Vana maja lammutati tükikaupa.
The old house was taken down piece by piece.
Common Mistakes
Joining kaupa to a plural genitive.
Ta istub päevadekaupa raamatukogus.Ta istub päevade kaupa raamatukogus.After a plural genitive such as päevade, write kaupa as a separate word.
Using the nominative instead of the genitive.
Lapsed läksid bussi kaks kaupa.Lapsed läksid bussi kahe kaupa.Kaupa needs the genitive: kahe, not kaks. You can also write kahekaupa.
How It Connects
Learn This First
kaupa follows a genitive.
Related Patterns
- Genitive (Owner Form)
Kaupa always follows a genitive.
Level 1 - Plural Genitive (-de/-te)
The plural genitive before kaupa often gives the meaning of a lot or a long time.
Level 2 - How Many Together (-kesi)
Kahekesi means two together, while kahekaupa means two at a time.
Level 5 - One Word or Two
Explains more cases of writing words together or apart.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice In Batches (-kaupa) in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Estonian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
