This is the 779th most frequent Estonian word.
põlva
The Estonian word "põlva" translates to "knee" in English.
In this context, 'põlvas' is the inessive case of 'põlv', meaning 'in the knee'.
Pärast pikemat matka tundsin valu oma põlvas.
After a long hike, I felt pain in my knee.
Here, 'põlvel' represents the adessive case of 'põlv', meaning 'on the lap (knee)'.
Vanaema istus viimasel ajal tihti lapselapse põlvel.
Recently, Grandma often sat on her grandchild's lap.
Here, 'Põlva' is a proper noun used as the name of a town in Estonia.