Names for Devices (-i, -r, -k)

Names for Devices

Level 5

Arvutama means to calculate. Arvuti is the device that calculates: a computer. Arvutaja would be a person who calculates.

How It Works

Many names for devices are built from a verb. The suffix tells you the word names a thing that does the job:

  • -i: arvutama (calculate) → arvuti (computer), valgustama (light up) → valgusti (lamp), kustutama (put out) → kustuti (extinguisher), jahutama (cool) → jahuti (cooler)
  • -r, -ur, -ar: pidama (hold, stop) → pidur (brake), kõlama (sound) → kõlar (loudspeaker), kuvama (display) → kuvar (monitor), vedama (pull) → vedur (locomotive)
  • -k: sõitma (ride, drive) → sõiduk (vehicle), tõstma (lift) → tõstuk (forklift), hõljuma (hover) → hõljuk (hovercraft)

Compare -ja. The ending -ja names someone who does something: õpetaja (teacher), arvutaja (a person who calculates). In everyday language -ja can name a device too: tolmuimeja (vacuum cleaner), avaja (opener). In technical language, -ja is kept for people and the other suffixes for devices.

Not every -ur word is a thing. The same suffix also names people by their work: kalur (fisher), kaevur (miner), lendur (pilot). Let the meaning of the base word guide you.

Other device suffixes exist too, such as -ik: mõõdik (meter, gauge), päästik (trigger).

Examples (6)

  1. Mu arvuti on jälle aeglane.

    My computer is slow again.

  2. Pane valgusti laua kohale.

    Put the lamp above the table.

  3. Vajuta pidurit!

    Hit the brake!

    Pidur comes from pidama (hold, stop).

  4. Kõlarist tuli vaikne muusika.

    Quiet music came from the loudspeaker.

  5. Kõik sõidukid peavad siin peatuma.

    All vehicles must stop here.

  6. Köögis on tulekustuti.

    There's a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

    Word by Word: in-kitchen is fire-extinguisher

Common Mistakes

  • Using a -ja person word for a device that has its own name.

    Mu arvutaja on katki.
    Mu arvuti on katki.

    Intended meaning: My computer is broken. Arvutaja is a person who calculates. The device is arvuti.

  • Mixing up a device word and a person word.

    Ostsin elutuppa uue valgustaja.
    Ostsin elutuppa uue valgusti.

    Intended meaning: I bought a new lamp for the living room. Valgustaja is a person who does the lighting, for example in a theater. The lamp is valgusti.

How It Connects

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Names for Devices (-i, -r, -k)Level 5Names for Devices

Learn This First

Tool suffixes contrast with -ja.

Words in This Pattern

-i-r-k-ja