laps — meaning in English: child

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Guess the translation for child

laps

kuulma

lennujaam

nõrk

kõne

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 'laps' in everyday conversations when talking about family or children. For instance, a parent might say, 'Minu laps mängib väljas,' which means 'My child is playing outside.' It is also used in educational contexts, such as in schools or daycare discussions.

Synonyms & nuances

'Laps' can be compared to 'beebi' (baby) and 'nooruk' (teenager). While 'laps' refers to a child in general, 'beebi' specifically denotes a very young child or infant, and 'nooruk' is used for older children or adolescents. Choosing 'laps' is appropriate when talking about children in a broad sense.

Culture

'Laps' has its roots in Proto-Finnic, which connects it with similar words in other Finno-Ugric languages, such as 'lapsi' in Finnish. In Estonian culture, children hold a significant place, often symbolizing hope and the future, which makes the word 'laps' not just a term but a reflection of societal values surrounding family and upbringing.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of 'laps' in Estonian?

'Laps' becomes 'lapsed' in the plural form. You would use 'lapsed' when referring to multiple children, like in the sentence, 'Lapsed mängivad koos,' meaning 'The children are playing together.'

Q.How do you use 'laps' in a sentence?

'Laps' can be used in various contexts; for example, you might say, 'Mu laps armastab joonistada,' which translates to 'My child loves to draw.' This showcases the child's interests and can be a great conversation starter.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'laps'?

One common mistake is confusing 'laps' with 'beebi' when referring to very young children. Remember that 'laps' refers to children in general, while 'beebi' specifically means an infant.

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Estonian Vocabulary