This is the 541st most frequent Estonian word.
ootavad
"Ootavad" means "they wait" or "are waiting" in English.
In this context, 'ootavad' is used to express expectations regarding a specific outcome, namely the punctual arrival of a train.
Nad ootavad, et rong jõuaks õigeks ajaks.
They are expecting the train to arrive on time.
In this sentence, 'ootavad' is the third person plural form of the verb 'oota', which means 'to wait'. It is used here to describe an action performed by multiple people (the children) of being in anticipation of the arrival of the school bus.
Lapsed ootavad koolibussi peatuse juures.
The children are waiting for the school bus at the stop.
Here, 'ootavad' conveys the anticipation of a future event by Mats and Laura, emphasizing their emotional state tied to the upcoming event.