The majority of the cases of the Finnish noun have, at any rate in their origin, a local meaning. Of these local cases two obvious groups are found, one called the interior local cases (inessive, elative, and illative), the other the exterior cases (the adessive, ablative, and allative). Another group is formed by the essive, partitive, and translative, which, however, do not hang together so closely as the cases above cited, inasmuch as the primary local meaning has in all of them been obscured by metaphorical uses. In all these groups the first member (inessive, adessive, essive) denotes originally rest in a position; the second (elative, ablative, partitive) motion from; the third (illative, allative, translative) motion to. From the original local meaning, all the cases, except the allative, come to indicate time. It may be roughly said that the first member denotes present time, the second past time, and the third future time. They are also used in a metaphorical sense, in which case the first members of the groups denote the state in which anything is, the second the state from which anything passes, and the third the state into which anything passes. In the first and second groups there is a close correspondence in the metaphorical use of the various members of the group: that is to say, if one member can be used metaphorically to express existence in a state, the others can be used to express a transition from or to it. Most of the cases have, however, in addition to these common uses, others which are peculiar to themselves and are not shared by the other members of the group.

The usage of the first and second group also shows many coincidences. It is generally said that the first group denotes local position with regard to the interior, and the second with regard to the exterior of the object. In the present state of the language, however, the distinction in this form is not very clearly observed, as will be seen by the examples given. The second group has a tendency to denote persons rather than things, whereas the first is used more of inanimate objects. The third group is mainly used in metaphorical senses. It is noticeable that there are many coincidences between the uses of the partitive and the elative.

Most of the other cases call for little comment. The instructive is used mostly adverbially, but plays a considerable part in the construction of sentences, and is likely to be troublesome to a beginner on account of its resemblance to the genitive in form. The prolative is rarely used. The comitative and abessive express respectively the presence and absence of an object. The former is not much used, but the peculiarities of the Finnish construction have caused the latter to in some ways take the place of a negative.

As has already been stated in the Accidence, it would appear that in some of the cases two forms have been merged in one. Thus it appears that the adessive represents (1) a local case, (2) an instrumental. So, too, the genitive represents (1) a case denoting the relation existing between objects, (2) a dative. The nominative is also used (1) as a real nominative, (2) as an accusative, having perhaps lost the termination in this latter case.

To understand Finnish syntax it is of the greatest importance to remember that there is no real distinction between nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, infinitives, and participles. In fact, all the words of a sentence, except the forms of a finite verb (and a few particles which have become petrified) are nouns, and as such are susceptible of declension, so that the significance of the cases has an importance extending over almost the entire grammar.

Nominative.

Most of the uses of the nominative have already been indicated.

I. It is employed as the subject of a sentence if the subject is total. The subject of a transitive verb is always considered as total (vide p. 122). Ihmiset kuolevat, men are mortal. SeppÄ myi hevosen, the smith sold the horse. MitÄ sijat maksavat? what do the places cost?

II. It also is used in the predicate, under the conditions mentioned, page 123. Silta on leveÄ, the bridge is wide. YstÄvÄni tytÄr on seitsemÄn vuotias, my friend’s daughter is seven years old.

III. It is used as the direct object after an imperative, or an infinitive depending on an imperative (vide p. 128). LyÖkÄmme kÄsi kÄtehen (Kal. i. 21). PÄÄstÄ piika pintehestÄ (Kal. i. 173). Kun solmit ystÄwyyttÄ, tee aina umpisolmu, when you tie the knot of friendship, make it hard to untie. Tuokaa minulle kahvi, give me the coffee. Pankaa tÄmÄ kirje postiin, post this letter.

IV. When the passive form of the verb is used, the subject (or more properly object) is put in the nominative, if it is total. HÄn saatetaan kotia, he is conducted home (vide p. 182).

V. The nominative is used as the vocative. Oi ukko ylijumala! Weli kulta, weikkoseni, kaunis kasvinkumppalini!

VI. The nominative absolute is frequently used. Kal. xvi. 192-3. Tuonen hattu hartioilla, Manan kintahat kÄessÄ, the hat of death on thy head, and the gloves of death on thy hands. Ei vahinko tule kello kaulassa, misfortune does not come with a bell round his neck. Harvoin on se mies piippu poissa suusta, this man is rarely without a pipe in his mouth. HÄn makaa ulkona pÄÄ paljaana, he sleeps out of doors with his head bare.

The Partitive Case.

The original meaning of this case seems to have been motion from a place, and traces of this signification are found in the forms kotoa, ulkoa, kaukaa, takaa, tykÖÄ, and luota. Tulla ulkoa, to come from out of doors; nÄhdÄ kaukaa, to see from far. The partitive is also apparently used locally in such expressions as tulkaa tÄtÄ tietÄ, come this way; minÄ kÄyn tietÄ, I go by the road; he kulkivat matkaansa, they went on their way. Perhaps, however, these might be explained by supposing that the intransitive verbs tulla, kÄydÄ, etc. take a cognate object. The use of the partitive of the participle passive (p. 198) to denote ‘after’ is noticeable.

Hence the case passes not unnaturally to mean what is taken from, or forms part of a thing.

I. A substantive preceded by words which express a quantity or measure is put in the partitive. Joukko ihmisiÄ, a crowd of men; naula lihaa, a pound of meat; paljo rahaa, much money; vÄhÄ voita, a little butter.

Similarly a cardinal number, if it is the subject of a sentence, is followed by the partitive sing. of the word which it qualifies. Kolme poikaa, three boys; seitsemÄn veljeÄ, seven brothers. In the same way we have, kaksi kymmentÄ, two tens or twenty. But if the word qualified by the numeral would not be in the nominative in ordinary European languages, the two agree in case (vide p. 172).

II. The word expressing quantity is omitted and the partitive stands alone as the subject of the sentence. This construction can often, though not always, be rendered by the word ‘some’ in English, or by ‘de’ with the article in French. LeipÄÄ on pÖydÄllÄ, there is some bread on the table (il y a du pain sur la table). It is to be noticed that in this construction the verb of which the partitive is the subject must be intransitive, and is always in the singular, though the subject should be in the plural. Onko teillÄ vaatteita? have you any clothes?

The subject of a negative sentence is put in the partitive, in cases where we should say in English,—‘There is not’ or ‘there is no.’ Ei ole tÄÄllÄ ihmisiÄ, there are no men here. In such a sentence as en ole merilohia, syvÄn aallon ahvenia (Kal. v. 122), I am not a salmon, the partitive must be explained as indicating a class, I am not one of the salmons. In ordinary Finnish the partitive is only used in this way with determining adjectives. Thus one says, En ole vaimo, I am not a woman; but En ole niitÄ vaimoja jotka unhottavat miehensÄ, I am not one of the women who forget their husbands.

III. The object is put in the partitive whenever it is not total (vide rules given above, p. 127). Juoda kahvia, to drink some coffee; poika lukee kirjaa, the boy is reading the book. The object of a negative verb is always regarded as partial. Poika ei antanut kirjaa, the boy did not give the book. Hevonen ei jaksanut vetÄÄ kuormaa, the horse could not carry the load.

V. As stated in the rules given p. 123, the complement of a sentence is put in the partitive when it expresses a whole of which the subject is a part. The partitive is particularly used to express the substance of which a thing is made. Sormus on kultaa, the ring is gold. Kieli on lihaa ja hampaat ovat luuta, the tongue is flesh, and the teeth are bone.

VI. In a sentence expressing comparison the word kuin (than) can be omitted, and the word which follows the comparative be put in the partitive. Kuu on pienempi kuin aurinko, or kuu on pienempi aurinkoa, the moon is smaller than the sun. Pietari on suurempi HelsinkiÄ, St. Petersburg is larger than Helsingfors. EikÖ Abanan ja Pharpharan wirrat Damaskussa ole kaikkia Israelin vesiÄ paremmat? Are not Abana and Pharphar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?

VII. Adjectives expressing height or size require the partitive. Kirkon torni on kaksi sataa jalkaa korkea, the church tower is 200 feet high. Joki on kaksikymmentÄ jalkaa syvÄ, the river is 200 feet deep. Silta on puolta virstaa pitkÄ, the bridge is half a verst long.

VIII. The partitive is used in salutations, exclamations, etc., where it is to be explained by the omission of some word. HyvÄÄ iltaa, hyvÄÄ huomenta (I wish you) good morning; kiitoksia, thanks; terveisiÄ, my compliments; mahdotonta! impossible! kauheaa, horrible! So too in such expressions as voi pÄiviÄni.

I. The direct object of a finite active verb, if not in the imperative, is put in the accusative, when the action of the verb is regarded as total (vide p. 126). IsÄ ostaa kirjan pojalle, the father buys the book for the boy. Kauppamies saa rahat, the merchant receives the money.

II. The accusative is also used to denote duration of time. Viivyn pÄivÄn, viikon, muutamat viikkokaudet. Itki illat, itki aamut, yÖhyet ennemmin itki, Kal. v. 7, 8. It is also used in answer to the question, how many times, or which time. MinÄ olen tÄÄllÄ ensimÄisen kerran, I am here for the first time. Mina olen ollut HelsingissÄ muutamat (useat, monet) kerrat, I have been many times at Helsingfors.

But expressions with joka, such as joka kerta, joka pÄivÄ, are used in the nominative. Olen joka kerta matkustanut meritse, I have several times travelled by sea. HÄn on minun nÄhnyt harva kerta, he has rarely seen me. MinÄ ratsastan joka pÄivÄ, I ride every day.

Genitive.

I. The genitive in Finnish is used with nouns—

(1) As the subjective genitive. Alqwistin teokset, the works of Alquist; kaupungin kadut, the streets of the town.

(2) As the objective genitive. Vanhempain rakkaus, love for one’s parents; jumalan pelko, fear of God.

(3) As the determinative genitive. Helsingin kaupunki, the town of Helsingfors; kunnon mies, kunnon valkea, a good man, a good fire.

II. Adjectives ending in -inen, which express age, measure, character, etc., take the genitive. Vanha, old, follows the same rule. Sen muotoinen, of this kind; sormen pituinen, of a finger’s length; venÄlÄisen luontoinen, a Russian in character. Pullo on kolmen lasin vetoinen, the bottle holds three glasses. Susi on koiran nÄkÖinen, a wolf looks like a dog. Miehen peukalon pituinen, waimon waaksan korkeuinen (Kal. ii. 115). If the word in the genitive is an adjective, numeral, or pronoun, it is written as one word with the word on which it depends. Pahankurinen, ill-behaved; hyvÄntapainen, well-behaved.

III. The genitive is also used—

(1) With certain impersonal verbs, such as tÄytyy, pitÄÄ, tulee, kÄskee, sopii, kelpaa, tarvitsee, and with the verb olla, when this latter is used with certain adjectives. Minun pitÄÄ lÄhteÄ ulkomaalle, I must go abroad. HÄnen sopii viipyÄ tÄÄllÄ. Subjectisanan tulee olla nominativissa tai partitivissa, the subject must be in the nominative or partitive. Parempi minun olisi, parempi olisi ollut, better had it been for me. Ei hÄnen ollut vaikea pÄÄstÄ ulos, he had no difficulty in getting out.

(2) A good many words expressing some state or feeling are used with the verb olla, and a genitive of the person who feels. Minun on jano, I am thirsty; minun on nÄlkÄ, I am hungry; minun on tarve, I must. HÄnen on aika mennÄ, it is time for him to go. Similarly, Rikkaiden on velvolisuus antaa kÖyhille, it is the duty of the rich to give to the poor. Sotamiehen on pakko mennÄ vaaraan, it is the duty of a soldier to go into danger. In these latter sentences the genitive seems quite natural in our idiom, but they are really closely analogous to the phrases given above. In the dialect spoken about St. Petersburg it is usual to say minulla (not minun) on jano, nÄlkÄ.

Some of the examples quoted above support the idea (v. p. 24), that there is an old dative in Finnish ending in n, which has become confused with the genitive. It is hardly possible to explain otherwise such expressions as Jumalan kiitos, thank God; Anna minun olla rauhassa, leave me in peace.

IV. The genitive is used with the infinitives and participles to denote the agent. Examples of this use will be found in the description of the use of those parts of the verb (p. 184, ff.).

This use is also found after caritive adjectives. Miekan miehen kÄymÄtÖntÄ (Kal. xxviii. 257), untouched by the sword of man.

The Internal Cases—Inessive, Elative, and Illative.

The inessive, elative, and illative are sometimes called the interior cases, because they express existence in and motion from or to the interior of an object. The adessive, ablative, and allative, on the other hand, are called the external cases, because they indicate rest on and motion from or into the exterior surface of an object. However, this distinction is not always kept up in the use of the cases, and the choice of the interior or exterior case in a given phrase seems often to be regulated by idiom or caprice, rather than by a reference to the original meaning.

Inessive.

I. The proper meaning of this case is existence in an object. Mies istuu tuvassa, the man sits in the hut. Parempi kala suussa kuin haava pÄÄssÄ, a fish in the mouth is better than a wound in the head. Vene kulkee vedessÄ, the boat moves in the water. Here the inessive is used, because, though motion is indicated, it is motion within a given space, and not to or from a given point.

There is much irregularity as to the use of the exterior and interior cases of local proper names, (1) Names ending in la always take the interior cases for euphony. Urjalassa, not Urjalalla. (2) Names of countries not ending in maa, and foreign names generally take the interior cases; but the word VenÄjÄ, Russia, is always used in the forms VenÄjÄllÄ, -ltÄ, -lle. (3) Names of countries ending in maa are generally used in the exterior cases, but the interior cases are used in speaking of things being found in the country. Olin Saksanmaalla, I was in Germany, but Saksamaassa on paljo sotamiehiÄ, there are many soldiers in Germany. But Suomenmaa, Finland, is always used in the interior cases.

Besides this strict use, the inessive is employed in a variety of expressions either metaphorically or in a loose local sense. Most of such phrases are quite obvious, and can be rendered in English by the preposition ‘in.’

II. It is used to express the time within which anything occurs. ViidessÄ viikossa, in five weeks. Valmistuuko tyÖ kahdessa pÄivÄssÄ, finish the work in two days. Pietarista Hatsinaan voi matkustaa puolessa toista tunnissa, one can go from Petersburg to Gatchina in an hour and a half.

III. From expressing the place in which the subject is, it is used by a natural transition to express the surroundings, state, or condition of anything. Thus it is employed in speaking of the weather. Olin ulkona tuulessa ja sateessa, I was out in the wind and rain. MinÄ ajoin hevosella lumessa ja tuiskussa, I drove in a snow storm.

Also in a number of metaphorical expressions. Olla eksyksissÄ, to be in error; olla hyvÄssÄ kunnossa, to be in good condition; olla hyvÄssÄ turvassa, to be safe; olla hyvissÄ voimissa, to be prosperous. Te olette oikeassa ja minÄ olen vÄÄrÄssÄ, you are right and I am wrong. Olen ollut pari tuntia kovassa pÄÄnkivistyksessÄ, I had a violent headache for a couple of hours. Kello on epÄjÄrjestyksessÄ, the watch is out of order. SiinÄ tapauksessa, in that case. Kaikki on mieli melkeÄssÄ, Ajatukset arvoisessa (Kal. v. 177).

IV. In a number of expressions the inessive is used where the adessive would seem more natural to express close connection between two objects, particularly in the case of one thing being fixed or hung on another. Kala on ongessa, the fish is on the hook. Takki on naulassa, the coat is hung on the nail. PitÄkÄÄ hattu pÄÄssÄ, keep your hat on your head. HÄnellÄ ei ollut saappaita jalassa, he had no boots on his feet.

V. It also expresses the occupation in which one is engaged. Poika on tyÖssÄ, the boy is at work. Cf. Olla pidoissa, hÄissÄ, to be at a banquet or marriage. Notice such idiomatic phrases as olla kalassa, to be fishing; olla heinÄssÄ, to be making hay; olla marjassa, to collect berries. It is noticeable that the verb kÄydÄ, to go to, or frequent, is generally followed by the inessive. KÄydÄ kirkossa, to go to church; kÄydÄ katsomassa, to go to sea.

VI. It is also used to express that an object is covered or soiled with some liquid. NenÄnsÄ on veressÄ, his nose is bleeding. SilmÄt ovat vesissÄ, the eyes are full of tears. Sinun otsas hiessÄ pitÄÄ sinun syÖmÄn leipÄÄ, in the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread. Cf. also the expression JÄrvi on jÄÄssÄ, the lake is frozen.

VII. It is used to express that certain qualities reside in a man. HÄnessÄ on jaloutta, he is noble (nobility is in him). Sinussapajo onkin koko mies, you are a man worth the name. Ei ole lapsessa heinÄn niittÄjÄtÄ, a child cannot be a haycutter. TeissÄ on kuume, you are feverish.

Elative.

As the inessive expresses properly rest in something, so the elative expresses motion from the interior of something. Many of its uses correspond to those of the inessive already described.

I. The strict literal use is to denote motion from an interior. Mies lÄhti tuvasta, the man went out of the hut. Lohi hyppÄsi merestÄ, the salmon leapt out of the sea. MetsÄstÄjÄ tuli kotia metsÄstÄ, the huntsman came home from the forest. Kaatakaa olut pullosta lasiin, pour the beer out of the bottle into the glass.

II. In expressing time, the elative is used to denote the beginning of a period—that is to say, the period is regarded as setting forth from a given date. PÄÄsiÄisestÄ on seitsemÄn viikkoa Helluntaihin, from Easter to Whitsuntide is seven weeks. EilisestÄ illasta alkaen, since last night. Me lÄksimme matkaan aamusta, we set out in the morning (beginning from the morning). En ole nÄhnyt hÄntÄ Joulusta saakka, I have not seen him since Christmas. SiitÄ hetkestÄ, from that hour.

III, IV, V, VI. In all such expressions as those quoted under these headings for the inessive, the elative can be used when cessation from an occupation or condition, or purification from any defilement is to be expressed. Tulin kotiin tuiskusta ja tuulesta, I came home from the snow and wind. Kadota silmistÄ, nÄkyvistÄ, to disappear from view. PÄÄstÄ pulasta, to get out of difficulties. Poika oti lakin pÄÄstÄnsÄ, the boy took the cap off his head. Pese nenÄsi verestÄ, wash the blood off your nose. Pyyhi silmÄsi kynelistÄ, dry your eyes. JÄrvi lÄhti jÄÄstÄ, the lake became free of ice. Tulla pois tyÖn teosta, kalasta, to cease working or fishing.

VII. The elative is also used by a natural transition to express separation or difference from. Minun on vaikea pÄÄstÄ virasta vapaakai, it is hard for me to get away from my work. Mies ei saa luopua vaimostansa, a man cannot be separated from his wife. LÄtin kieli on kokonaan eroavainen Suomen kielestÄ, the Lettish language is perfectly different from Finnish.

Besides these uses, which are parallel with those of the inessive, the elative has a variety of other significations. These mostly arise in a quite intelligible manner, from the idea of motion from, taken in a metaphorical sense.

VIII. In many phrases the elative is used almost like the partitive, that is to say, it denotes one or more persons or things taken or selected from a number. Nuorin veljistÄ, the youngest of the brothers. Urhoollisin sotilaista, the bravest of the warriors. Laatokka on suurin Europan jÄrvistÄ, Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe. Yksi nÄistÄ vaimoista, one of these women.

There is, however, a slight difference in the meaning of the elative and partitive in such expressions, inasmuch as the former always implies a certain part of a given quantity which is in the mind of the speaker. Thus one says kolme sisarta, three sisters, a merely numerical expression. But kolme sisaristani means three of my sisters. So naula voita means a pound of butter; but naula voista, a pound of the butter, referring to a particular kind or mass of butter.

IX. From denoting the starting-point, the elative is used to express the origin or cause of anything, or the material from which a thing is made. Kuolla myrkystÄ, to die of poison. HÄn puhisi vihasta, he snorted from anger. Poika oli kylmÄstÄ kÖntistyneenÄ, the boy was numb with cold. TyhjÄstÄ loi Jumala maailman, God created the world from Chaos. HÄnestÄ tuli kelpo sotilas, he made a good soldier. Ei lapsesta laulajaksi, a child can’t be a singer (proverb). HÄn on hyvÄstÄ perheestÄ, he is of good family. Sanasta sana syntyy, kypenestÄ maa kytee, one word gives birth to another, and the world catches fire from a spark. Sormus on tehty kullasta, the ring is made of gold. Munan kuori on kovasta aineesta, the shell of an egg is of a hard substance. VenÄjÄn valtio on kokoonpantu monenlaisista kansallisuuksista, the Russian empire is composed of many nationalities.

In this sense it is often used to denote the object, particularly with words denoting speaking or some feeling. For instance, puhua asiasta, to speak of a thing, the thing being regarded as the point from which a conversation is started. Kiitoksia kysymÄstÄnne, thanks for your question. SiitÄ voitte olla varma, you may be sure of it. MitÄ pidÄtte Suomen kielestÄ? How do you like Finnish? En vÄlitÄ kenestÄkÄÄn, I don’t care for anybody. ÄlkÄÄ surko huomisesta pÄivÄstÄ, take no thought for the morrow.

N.B.—There is a curious use of minusta to denote ‘in my opinion, as far as I am concerned.’

X. Somewhat similar is the use of the elative in expressions denoting price. The Finnish idiom is to say mÖin kirjan markasta, I sold the book for a mark; ostin kirjan markasta, I bought the book for a mark; and sain markan kirjasta, I received a mark for the book. That is to say, ‘I bought a book from a mark,’ the price being regarded as the origin of the transaction. MitÄ tahdotte viikossa tÄstÄ huoneesta? how much do you want per week for this room? SilmÄ silmÄstÄ ja hammas hampaasta, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Kauppamies on myÖnyt tavaransa kalliista, the merchant sold his goods dear.

XI. The elative is used to express the object in which any one is rich or poor. Rikas rahasta, rich in money, that is to say, money is regarded as the cause of the riches. Kaivo on tyhjÄ vedestÄ, the well is empty of water. Huoneet olivat tÄydet vÄestÄ, the rooms were full of people.

XII. The elative is also used in a variety of expressions, in which the cause or commencement of an action is emphasized by an idiom different to our own. Thus one says, not to seize by the ear, but from the ear, pitÄÄ korvasta; sidottu kÄsistÄ ja jaloista, bound hand and foot. Damokleen miekka riippui hivuskarvasta, the sword of Damocles hung by a hair, and metaphorically, saada kiini rikoksesta, to convict of crime. Sanasta miestÄ, sarvesta hÄrkÄÄ (proverb), a man is held by his words and an ox by the horns.

By an idiom of the language verbs denoting to find, or seek, and also often verbs of seeing and hearing, are followed by an elative where we should use an expression implying rest in a place. MistÄ hÄnen lÖysit? where did you find him? Milloin hyvÄnsÄ tuli huoneesen, tapasi hÄnen aina lukemasta, whenever one went into the room, one always found him reading.

The elative comes to be used much as the accusative of respect in Latin, to mark the part in which anything is affected. Mies on kipeÄ silmistÄnsÄ, the man is ill from his eyes. HÄn on kÖmpelÖ kÄsistÄ, he is clumsy with his hands. Raukea jaloista, foot-sore. Koivu on tuuhea latvasta, the birch has spreading branches at the top. Veitsi on terÄvÄ kÄrestÄ, the knife has a sharp edge.

Illative.

The original meaning of the illative is motion into the interior of an object, from which it passes into the general sense of motion to. Most of its uses are parallel to those of the inessive and elative. MennÄ kouluun, kirkoon, to go to school or to church. LÄhteÄ Amerikaan, Sipiriaan, to go a journey to America, to Siberia. Merimies putosi laivalta veteen, the sailor fell from the ship into the water.

It must, however, be noticed that a good many actions are regarded as implying motion to, in Finnish, which by our idiom are followed by prepositions signifying rest in. Thus one says, Hevoset seisahtuivat pihaan, the horses stopped in the court. SananlennÄtin tolpat ovat pystytetyt tien viereen, the telegraph wires are laid along the road. Me perustamme koulun kaupunkiin, we founded a school in the town.

The most singular instance of this is, that the verbs signifying to remain or to leave invariably take this case, or the allative. To stay at home is jÄÄdÄ kotiin, the original meaning of the verb having apparently been to go to a place and stay there. Similarly jÄttÄÄ, to leave behind, and unhottaa, when it is used in the same sense, take the illative. JÄtin hattuni teaatteriin, I left my hat in the theatre. Unhotin rahakukkaroni kotiin, I left my purse at home.

II. The illative is used in two ways to denote time.

A. It denotes the end towards which a period is regarded as advancing, and can be translated by until or to. PÄÄsiÄisestÄ on seitsemÄn viikkoa Helluntaihin, it is seven weeks from Easter to Whitsuntide. Kuu kiurusta kesÄÄn, it is a month from the time when the lark sings to summer (proverb). VielÄkÖ on pitkÄltÄ Jouloon? is it still long till Christmas?

In this sense it is often used with the preposition hamaan, or the postpositions asti and saakka. TÄhÄn pÄivÄÄn saakka, up till that day; myÖhÄÄn yÖhÖn saakka, till late at night; hamaan viimeiseen pÄivÄÄn asti, till the day of one’s death.

B. The illative is also used idiomatically to express the space of time during which anything has not taken place. En ole nÄhnyt hÄntÄ kahteen vuoteen, I have not seen him for two years. En ole syÖnyt kunnolleen kolmeen pÄivÄÄn, I have not eaten properly for three days. Ei ole ollut nÄin kaunista syksyÄ miesmuistiin, there has not been such a fine autumn in the memory of man.

C. It is also used to express the period of time in which an action is performed. Ansaitsee viisi ruplaa viikkoonsa, he earns five roubles a week. In this use the suffix is nearly always added to the case, but the words aikaan, aikoihin, and puoleen (in compounds), and seutuun are used in expressing time loosely. Siihen aikaan, or nÄihin aikoihin, at that time. Joulun seutuun, about Christmas time. Talven puoleen, in winter time.

III, IV, V, VI. Like the inessive and elative, the illative is used in a variety of metaphorical expressions, when entrance into a state or condition is denoted. Joutua eksyksiin, to go into error, to go astray. Tulla toimeen, to get on, manage satisfactorily. Ei se kÄy laatuun, that is impossible. Joutua hukkaan, to perish. Ajoi hevosen uuvuksiin, he rode his horse till it was tired. So also it is used in speaking:—

(1) Of occupations, which are begun. HÄn meni tyÖhÖn, he went to his work; and also such expressions as mennÄ kalaan, to go fishing; mennÄ marjaan, to go berry gathering.

(2) Of the place on which anything is put. Upseeri pani hattunsa naulaan, the officer hung his hat on the peg. VedÄ sappaat jalkaan, to put on one’s boots.

(3) Of liquids. HÄn lÖi nenÄnsÄ vereen, he gave him a bloody nose. JÄrvi meni jÄÄhÄn, the lake froze.

VII. The illative also expresses the use to which anything is put, or the purposes for which it is capable of being used. The origin of this sense of the case is clearly shown by the derivation of the verb to use, kÄyttÄÄ, which is the causal form of kÄydÄ, to go, and means to make a thing go in a certain direction. HÄn kÄytti rahansa hyviin tarkoituksiin, he employed his money for good purposes. Tuhlasi aikansa turhuuteen, he wasted his time. So also HÄn sopii kaikkeen, he can do everything. Lappalaiset ovat kykenemÄttÄmiÄ sotapalvelukseen, the Laps are not fitted for military service. Mustalainen ei pysty tyÖhÖn, a gipsy is not a good worker. HÄn on valmis kaikkeen hulluuteen, he is ready for any folly.

VIII. Somewhat similar is the use of the illative to express the object or desired goal of an action. IsÄ kehoittaa poikaa ahkeruuteen, the father exhorts the boy to be diligent. Similarly kehoitta iloon, etc. Kasvattakaa lapsenne Jumalan pelkoon ja hyviin tapoihin, bring up your children to fear God and behave properly. MinÄ neuvoin ystÄvÄÄni kÄrvÄllisyyteen, malttavaisuuteen, I advised my friend to be patient, or prudent. Kenraali innostutti sotamiehet urhouteen, the general exhorted his soldiers to bravery.

IX. The illative is further used with verbs expressing feeling, chiefly those formed with u or y, the idea being apparently that the feeling passes from the subject to the object. For instance, olla rakastunut johonkin, to be in love with some one. Cf. the Russian idiom ??? ?? ??? ????????. Olen kyllÄstynyt nÄihin riitoihin, I am weary of these quarrels. Siihen voitte luottaa, you may be sure of this. HÄn ei mielistynyt heidÄn neuvoonsa ja tekoonsa, he was not pleased with their advice and doings. TyydytkÖ siihen? are you satisfied with this?

X. There is a curious idiom by which in certain phrases the illative seems to be used to express the agent or cause of an action. Kuolla nÄlkÄÄn, to die of hunger; kuolla veteen, to be drowned. Nukkui nuoret, nukkui vanhat WÄinÄmÖisen soitantohon, old and young were thrown into sleep by the songs of WÄinÄmÖinen. Murehisin murtumatta, huolihin katoamatta (Kal. v. 216-7).

The idea in these phrases seems to be that the subject of the verb passes into the power of whatever is denoted by the illative.

XI. The illative is also used to express likeness. This is quite natural with such a verb as verrata, to compare. E.g. Verrattuna meihin, on hÄn onnellinen, compared to us, he is happy. The verb vivahtaa, to be like, also takes this case: vivahtaa veljeensÄ, he is like his brother; but the original meaning of the word is apparently physical motion, to glance quickly by or into. By a similar idiom the verb tulla, to come, with the illative means to resemble. HÄn tulee isÄÄnsÄ, he is like his father. The use of the simple verb olla, to be, with this case to express likeness is however truly singular, and is apparently to be explained only by analogy. Lapsi on isÄÄnsÄ, the child is like its father. It is, however, exactly parallel to the Russian expression ??? ?? ????, ?? ????. Cf. Vesa kasvaa kantohonsa, the young sprout grows like the parent stem (proverb).

XI. The illative expresses the limit which a number reaches. Luku nousi kahteen-sataan, the number reached two hundred. SiellÄ oli lapsia viiteenkymmeneen, there were as many as fifty children.

From this use the illative is also used to denote price. MyydÄ halpaan hintaan, to sell cheap; myydÄ kalliisen hintaan, to sell dear. TÄssÄ on omenoita kymmeneen kopekkaan, here are apples for ten copecks.

The External Cases—Adessive, Ablative, and Allative.

The external cases correspond in their general significance and employment to the internal cases already described, only while these latter denote rest within and motion to or from the interior of an object, the former in their strict meaning imply rest on and motion to or from the surface of an object. But as may be seen by the examples this distinction is not always very strictly observed. The external cases have a tendency to denote animate objects.

Adessive.

I. The adessive primarily denotes the place on which an action takes place. Poika istuu lattialla, the boy sits on the floor. Tuskin voin olla jaloillani, I can hardly stand on my legs. HÄn asuu tÄllÄ kadulla, he lives in this street. MillÄ paikoilla? whereabouts? Saksan maalla kasvaa hyviÄ viinirypÄleitÄ, in Germany good grapes grow. Kivet laikkui lainehilla, Somerot vesillÄ souti (Kal. xliv. 261, 2).

II. The adessive is also used to mark time, when the period is not definitely specified by a cardinal number or otherwise. PÄivÄllÄ, in the day, by day; yÖllÄ, by night; kevÄÄllÄ, in spring; kesÄllÄ, in summer; syksyllÄ, in autumn; talvella, in winter; (but viime kesÄnÄ, last spring, because the time is determined by the adjective).

Kalat tÄrpÄÄvÄt kesÄllÄ, fish bite in spring. Aamulla ani varahin, very early in the morning (Kal. iv. 303). Kysyi tyÖtÄ iltaisella, he asked for the work in the evening (Kal. xxxii. 6).

III. Like the inessive the adessive is used in a loose or metaphorical sense to denote the external circumstances under which anything takes place. Thus it is used of the weather. Kuivalla sÄÄllÄ, in dry weather; tuulella, in windy weather. MinÄ palasin kotiin sateella, I returned home in the rain. Joka tyynellÄ makaa, se tuulella soutaa (proverb), he who sleeps in a calm, rows in a wind.

Olla hereellÄ or valveella, to be awake. On tulolla sade, it is going to rain. Olen menolla, I am going.

And in some cases where according to our ideas the circumstances denoted are distinctly internal, e.g. olla hyvÄllÄ tai pahalla mielellÄ, to be in a good or bad humour. Olla hyvÄllÄ pÄÄllÄ, to feel courageous. Cf. Kal. xliv. 269, 270. Nuoret naiset naurusuulla, EmÄnnÄt ilolla mielin.

In particular it is thus used with verbal nouns to express that an action is being undertaken. Kirjan kÄÄnnÖs on tekeellÄ (or tekeilla), the translation of the book is being made. Kangas on kuteella, the cloth is being woven.

IV. By a closely analogous use the adessive signifies the occupation in which any one is engaged (cf. the use of the inessive in this sense). Olla ongella, nuotalla, to be engaged in fishing with a hook or net.

This use is particularly frequent in the case of games or meals. Olla pÄivÄllisellÄ, to be at dinner; olla aamiaisella, to be at breakfast; olla koppisilla, to be playing ball. Lapset ovat piiloisilla, the children are playing hide and seek.

V. The adessive is also used to signify with, near, or in the house of (French chez). Poika on meillÄ, le garÇon est chez nous. HÄnellÄ on vieraita, he has guests staying with him. Vietin kolme pÄivÄÄ erÄÄllÄ ruotsalaisella herralla maalla, I spent three days with a Swedish gentleman in the country.

From an extension of this use it comes to denote possession, and in combination with the olla replaces the verb to have, which does not exist in Finnish. Minulla on kirja, I have a book. HÄnellÄ on luunkolotus, he has the rheumatism. MikÄ este sinulla oli? what hindered you?

In this idiom the verb is always in the third person sing., even though the substantive is in the nominative plur. IsÄllÄ on harmaat hiukset, the father has white hair. Onko teillÄ saksia? have you a pair of scissors? Hevonen on rengillÄ, the man has the horse. HyvÄllÄ on nimiÄ paljo, pahalla tapoja paljo, good has many names and evil many shapes. Jumalalla on onnen ohjat, Luojalla lykyn avaimet (proverb), God has the reins of fortune, the Creator has the keys of luck. Cf. Kal. xliii. 337. Jumalall’ on ilman wiitta, Luojalla avaimet onnen.

VI. It also denotes the price at which a thing is bought or sold. MinÄ ostin kirjan kahdella markalla, I bought a book for two marks. Kauppamies mÖi kaikki tavaransa suurella voitolla, the merchant sold all his goods at a great profit. Ostin matot huokeammalla (hinnalla), kuin niiden arvo on, I bought these carpets for less than they are worth.

VII. Besides these various significations which can be deduced from the primary meaning of rest on, the adessive has quite another use, viz. as an instrumental to denote the means or the object by which an action is accomplished. It would seem that two originally distinct forms have been confused in the case as it at present exists in Finnish, though it might be possible to derive this instrumental meaning from the metaphorical uses quoted under III. NÄin sen omilla silmillÄni, I saw it with my own eyes. OillÄ pÄivÄt jatketaan, virsillÄ vÄhÄt oluet (proverb), the days are lengthened by the nights, and a little beer goes further if one sings. ElÄ koukulla kohenna, kÄrryksellÄ kÄÄnnyttele (Kal. xxiii. 401-2)—Kansalla karhukin kaadetaan (proverb).

VIII. From this use is derived another, signifying the way in which anything is done. Ilolla, joyfully. Monella tavalla, in many ways; ei millÄÄn tavalla, in no way at all. Sen teen mielellÄni, I do it with pleasure.

Ablative.

I. The ablative expresses motion from the surface of anything. Lapsi putosi pÖydÄltÄ, the child fell from the table. Ei kÖyhÄ korkealta kaadu, luudan pÄÄltÄ lattialle, the poor cannot have a great fall: only as high as a besom from the floor (proverb). Korkealta kakko lenti ... Allit aalloilta syviltÄ, Joutsenet sulilta soilta, the eagle flew from high, the wild duck from the deep waves, the swans from the watery marshes.

II. It is also used in various expressions denoting time.

A. In such sentences as ‘year after year,’ ‘day after day.’ In Finnish the first word is put in the nominative and the second in the ablative. PÄivÄ pÄivÄltÄ hÄn tulee kipeÄmmÄksi, day by day he gets worse. Myrsky kiihtyy hetki hetkeltÄ, the storm grows stronger every hour. Odotan hÄntÄ tunti tunnilta, I expect him every hour.

B. In sentences expressing money earned in a given time. HÄn saa kaksituhatta markkaa vuodelta, he receives two thousand marks a year. Maksavat rengille viisitoista ruplaa kuukaudelta, the servant is paid fifteen roubles a month.

C. The time from which anything begins. Kaupunki on viima vuosisadalta, the house dates from the last century. Niinkuin asetus tammikuun viidenneltÄ pÄivÄltÄ mÄÄrÄÄ, according to the provisions of the decree of January 5.

Similarly—Kello kuudelta aamulla nousin tyÖtÄ tekemÄÄn, I begin to work at (that is, beginning from) six o’clock in the morning. Tulee pimeÄ jo kello neljÄltÄ, it gets dark at four o’clock.

III. It is used analogously to the adessive (No. IV), to express cessation from an occupation, game, or meal. Miehet tulivat ongelta, the men came home from fishing. Tulimme pÄivÄlliseltÄ, we came from dinner. Lapset lakkasivat sokkosilta, the children stopped playing blind man’s buff.

IV. The ablative denotes motion from a person or from his house. Vierahat tulivat teiltÄ, the strangers came from you. Palvelija tuli isÄnnÄltÄ, the servant came from his master. Cf. Ostin tavaroita kauppamieheltÄ, I bought some goods of the merchant. So also MinÄ sain ÄidiltÄni kirjeen, I received a letter from my mother. KysyivÄt hÄneltÄ, they asked of him.

V. From the idea of separation the ablative comes to denote the person who loses anything or from whom anything is hidden, defended, etc. It becomes in fact very nearly what is called the ‘dativus incommodi’ in Latin Grammar. HÄneltÄ kuoli Äiti, his mother died (died from him). Ei Jumala kiellÄ lapsiltansa iloa, God does not forbid joy to his children. Ei tytÄr salaa ÄidiltÄnsÄ mitÄÄn, the daughter hides nothing from her mother.

VI. The cause which prevents an action is put in the ablative. TyttÖ ei pÄÄssyt kotoa astiain pesulta, the maid could not leave the house because she had to wash the things. En jouda kesÄisiltÄ kiirehiltÄ, I cannot come on account of the work that has to be done in summer. En voinut nukkua koiran haukunnalta, I could not sleep on account of the dogs barking.

VII. The ablative is also used to denote the part or quality with respect to which anything is predicated of an object. HÄn on hyvÄ tavoiltansa, he has a good disposition. Munat ovat vÄriltÄÄn ja suuruudeltaan erilaisia, eggs are of different colours and sizes. Poika on iÄltÄÄn jo kymmenvuotias, the boy is ten years old (in his life). TyttÖ on solakka varreltaan, the girl has a graceful figure. Ukko on vielÄ ketterÄ jalalta, the old man is still quick-footed. Tunnen hÄnen nÄÖltÄ, I know him by sight. Mies on Matti nimeltÄ, the man is Matthew by name.

VIII. It is apparently to this use that must be traced such expressions as maistua hyvÄltÄ, karvaalta, to taste good or bitter.

Verbs which express the impression made by an object on the senses are generally followed by an adjective in the ablative describing the nature of the sensation. If it is remembered that the distinction between the adjective and substantive is very slight, we may explain such a phrase as nÄyttÄÄ kauniilta as looks with regard to beauty, that is, looks beautiful.

Examples—HÄn nÄyti Saksalaiselta, he looked like a German. MiltÄ nyt tuntuu? how do you feel now? Mansikka maistuu makealta, strawberries taste sweet. Se nÄyttÄÄ luonnollisemmalta, it seems more natural.

Allative.

I. The allative expresses motion on to or into the neighbourhood of an object. Lapsi putosi lattialle, the child fell on to the floor. Tahdotteko viedÄ minun Uudelle Kadulle? will you show me the way to New Street? LÄhen Pohjolan tuville, Lapin lasten tanterille, I go to the dwellings of the North, to the plains of the Laplanders.

II. It expresses also the external circumstances of an action when those circumstances are regarded as not already existing, but as to be entered on. Koska saatte tyÖnne alkeille? when will your work be begun? MinÄ panen kankaan kuteille, I put the stuff to be woven.

III. Like the adessive and ablative it is used of occupations, games, or meals, in which one engages, but always with the idea of entering on or beginning. MenkÄÄmme ongelle, let us go and fish. EmÄntÄ on kÄskenyt ruoalle, the mistress of the house has asked us to dinner. Olen kutsuttu kahville, I am invited to take coffee. Lapset rupeevat piilosille, the children begin to play hide and seek.

IV. From meaning motion into the neighbourhood of an object or to the house of anyone (e.g. Meille tuli vieraita, guests came to see us), it comes to be used as a dative to express the remote object of an action. Äiti antoi kirjan pojallensa, the mother gave a book to her son. Jumala on laupias syntisille, God is merciful to sinners. Olen kiitollinen teille, I am obliged to you; olen ottanut itselleni vapauden, I have taken (for myself) the liberty. Minun on mahdoton mÄÄrÄtÄ aikaa takaisin tulolleni, I cannot fix the date of my return.

V. The allative is sometimes, though rarely, used in the way described under the ablative IX. Ilma nÄyttÄÄ kauniille, the weather looks fine. Cf. Kal. xli. 23. Jo kÄvi ilo ilolle, Riemu riemulle remahti, Tuntui soito soitannalle, etc.

Abessive.

The abessive expresses the absence of anything.

He who is angry without a cause is reconciled without a reward (proverb).

He who grows up without education dies without honour (proverb), Olkaa huoletta, don’t trouble yourself (be without care). ElÄ suihki sutsunatta, ElÄkÄrÄÄmi rÄtsinÄttÄ, ElÄ liiku liinaisetta (Kal. xxiii. 215), go not without raiment, wander not without a shirt, stray not without a kerchief. Vanhempien tiedotta, without the knowledge of one’s parents. Muitten avutta, without the help of others.

For emphasis the particle ilman is placed before the abessive.

Without being slain by disease or taken by a natural death (Kal. xvi. 178, 9).

The use of the abessive of the third infinitive is particularly frequent, see below, p. 193.

Essive.

I. The original use of the essive is locative, but this only survives in some adverbial expressions: ulkona, out of doors; kaukana, far; luona, near; takana, behind; kotona, at home; lÄsnÄ olla, to be present; kokonansa, altogether (in its entirety); keskenÄnne, keskenÄnsÄ, etc., between you, them; and such expressions as olla rannempana, to be near shore; olla sisempÄnÄ, to be inside.

II. From this use comes that denoting a definite period of time during which something happens; tÄnÄpÄnÄ, to-day; huomenna, to-morrow; Maanantaina, Tiistaina, etc., on Monday, Tuesday, etc. En ole maannut kolmena viimeisenÄ yÖnÄ, I have not slept there the last three nights. Ihmiset kÄyvÄt pyhÄnÄ kirkossa, people go to church on a Saint’s day. Eip’ on toiste tullutkana, Ei toiste sinÄ ikÄnÄ, She never came again, Never again in this life (Kal. v. 138). Jo pÄivÄnÄ muutamana, huomenna moniahana (Kal. v. 53).

III. From a metaphorical use of this local meaning the essive comes to denote the character or state in which the subject of a sentence is. It is used thus—

(1) As the predicate. IsÄni on pappina, my father is a priest.

The sky is the roof of the poor man and the high road his floor. MikÄ on asiana? what’s the matter?

(2) As the appositional case.

What one learns young one remembers when old. Nuorna vitsa vÄÄnnettÄvÄ, one should bend the bough while it’s young (proverb). Poikana minÄ en tuntenut hÄntÄ, as a boy I never knew him.

Translative.

I. The original meaning of the translative, like that of the illative and allative, seems to be motion to; but this only survives in a few adverbs. Ulos, out of doors (‘foras’); luoksi or luo?, to; taakse or taa?, backwards; sisemmÄksi, inwards; rannemmaksi, nearer shore.

II. In a temporal sense the translative is used to express the time in which a thing is to be (not was) accomplished. Poika rupesi palvelukseen vuodeksi, the boy entered service for a year. HÄn jÄi meille yÖksi, he stayed with us for the night (the event, though in the past, is regarded from the point of view when it was future).

It also expresses a limit of time: tÄmÄ kirja valmistuu jouluksi, the book will be ready by Christmas. Voinko saada ne ensi maanantaiksi? can I have them by next Monday?

It is also used to express place in numerical order. Ensiksi, first, in the first place; toiseksi, in the second place.

III. The most frequent signification of the translative is metaphorical, viz. the state into which anyone or anything passes. It can be used thus after transitive and intransitive verbs. Tulla kÖyhÄksi, to become poor. Ilma ei muutu selkeÄksi, the weather does not become clearer. Ne tulevat valmiiksi, they will be ready. Myrsky kÄy raivoisaksi, the storm grows high. EmÄntÄ leipoi jauhot leiviksi, the housewife baked the flour into bread. Itse tuon sanoiksi virkkoi, (frequent phrase in Kalevala), himself thus put this into words. Kaupunki paloi tuhaksi, the town was burnt to ashes.

It is also used as a complement after verbs of naming, calling, considering, perceiving, etc. (v. p. 201), the idea being that in consequence of the action of such verbs the object passes into a new state. Kutsutte minun mestariksi ja Herraksi, ye call me master and Lord. NÄkivÄt hÄnen kuolleeksi, they saw he was dead. ÄlkÄÄ pahaksi panko, don’t take it amiss. Tunnen itseni hyvin sairaaksi, I feel very ill. The verb pitÄÄ is peculiar in always taking the essive, and not translative, after it. E.g. PitÄÄ jotakin hÄpeÄnÄ, to think a thing a shame.

IV. It also expresses the purpose or use for which anything serves. HÄn kelpaa opettajaksi, he is fit for a schoolmaster. MitÄ voin tehdÄ palvelukseksenne? what can I do for you (for your service)? Olkoon tÄmÄ teille opiksi, let this be a lesson to you. YhtiÖ lasten suojelemiseksi, a society for protecting children. Juon viiniÄ terveydekseni, I drink wine for my health. Juoda onneksi, to drink to some one’s health.

By an extension of this use the translative is used almost like the essive (cf. the dative of the complement in Latin). Se on hÄnelle hÄpeÄksi, he ought to be ashamed of it (it is for a shame to him). Compare also miksi? why?

The translative can be used idiomatically in such phrases as He speaks Finnish well for a foreigner, or considering that he is a foreigner, hÄn puhuu suomea hyvin ulkomaalaiseksi. So too, Laiva on purreksi hyvÄ kulkemaan, the ship goes well for a sailing-boat. Poika on liian viisas ikÄiseksensÄ, the boy is very clever for his age. A good example of this use is found in Kal. v. 63 ff. SileÄhk’ on silkaseksi, Kuleahka kuujaseksi, EvÄtÖin emÄkalaksi, Ihala imehnoksiki, PÄÄ-rivatoin neitoseksi, VyÖtÖin veen on tyttÖseksi, Korvitoin kotikanaksi.

VI. This use is analogous to the adverbial use of the translative, which is frequent. For instance, pahaksi (or kovaksi), hyvÄksi onneksi, fortunately, unfortunately. Osaksi, partly. ElÄÄ herroiksi, to live en grand seigneur.

With this may be compared its use to express the language in which anything is written. Kirja on kÄÄnnetty suomeksi, the book is translated in Finnish. So Saksaksi, in German; Ruotsiksi, in Swedish; VenÄjÄksi, in Russian.

Comitative.

I. The comitative is used to express the person in whose company, or the object in connection with which an action takes place. It is always used in spoken Finnish in the plural, even if only one person or object is referred to, but in the old language and in printed books the singular is sometimes found. It nearly always takes a pronominal affix. Mies meni pois vaimoinensa, the man went away with his wife. VetivÄt verkon kaloinensa, they drew in the net with the fish. Otti lapsen ÄitinensÄ, he took the child with its mother. KesÄ on tullut ihanine ilmoinensa, the summer is come with beautiful weather. Sata miestÄ miekkoinensa, a hundred men with their swords (Kal. xi. 100).

When the comitative is combined with an attribute, the latter frequently ends in n, not ne. For instance, jÄrvet saoin saarinensa, lakes with a hundred islands (Kal. xxiv. 459). Ei hÄnen sovi tulla tÄnne tuhmin tapoinensa, he ought not to come here with his foolish ways. ÄlÄ tule sisÄÄn likaisin jalkoinesi, don’t come in with your dirty feet.

Copious examples of this case will be found in Kalevala, xxiv. 444-462. JÄÄ nyt pirtti terveheksi, Pirtti lautakattonesi, etc.

Instructive.

I. The instructive is used to express the instrument or the manner in which an action is performed. The instructive of substantives is chiefly used of parts of the body and in modern Finnish always in the plural. Paljain jaloin, with bare legs, barelegged. Poika meni ulkos paljain pÄin, the boy went out bareheaded. Omin kÄsin, with one’s own hands; omin silmin, with one’s own eyes. RistissÄ kÄsin, with hands crossed. Kaikki huonekalut ovat sikin sokin, all the furniture is topsy-turvy. Kulkea jalan, to go on foot. Alla pÄin, with one’s head hanging down (Kal. iii. 501 and following lines). On meillÄ valta omin luvin tulla huoneesenne, we have authority to come into your room without asking leave. Kahden ynnÄ, both together; yksin mielin, with one accord; yksin syntyi WÄinÄmÖinen, WÄinÄmÖinen was born alone.

It is noticeable that generally when this case is used, either a noun with an adjective is found or two nouns both in the instructive. Thus one can say kissa repi ovea kynsin hampain, whereas if only one word were used it would be better to use kynsillÄ or hampailla.

The instructive rarely takes pronominal suffixes. Kal. ix. 507, 509, En liiku omin lihoini ... En vÄiky omin vÄkini.

II. The instructive of adjectives is frequently used adverbially to express manner.

(1) The instructive singular of an adjective is used adverbially to qualify another adjective or adverb in the positive. Tavattoman kaunis, exceedingly beautiful; kauhean ruma, horribly ugly; hyvin hyvÄ, very good; tÄmÄ yÖ oli hirveÄn pitkÄ, the night was terribly long.

(2) The instrumental plural of adjectives in the comparative or superlative is used to define verbs. Puhu nopeammin, speak quicker; aurinko paistaa kirkkaammin, the sun shines brighter.

III. The instructive plural is also used in a temporal sense, and denotes an indefinite or recurring period of time. Thus linnut laulavat illoin, aamuin, the birds sing in the morning, in the evening (whereas if a definite morning or evening is meant the essive must be used). In this sense the termination sin is often used, which is really the instructive plural of an adjective with a nominative nen formed from the noun. Thus me alamme tyÖn aamuisin kello kahdeksasta, we begin to work at eight in the morning. Iltaisin rupeamme aikaisemmin maata, we go to led earlier in the evening. HÄn tekee talvisin kauppamatkoja, he makes business journeys in the winter. Onko teillÄ tapa valvoa Öisin? are you in the habit of not sleeping at night?

This same ending is added to substantives in a sense somewhat analogous to the prolative. MinÄ menen rautateisin, I go by rail. SotavÄki matkusti osaksi maisin osaksi merisin, the troops travelled partly by land, partly by sea.

Prolative.

This case is rarely used, and in fact has no sense when formed from any but substantives expressing some kind of local position. It expresses motion by or over anything, and is chiefly employed in adverbial expressions, and generally in the plural. Tulla meritse tai maitse, to come by sea or land. JÄrven ranatse, along the shore of the lake. Niemen nenitse, round the promontory. Aalloitse, by sea. MinÄ kylvÄn kyyhÄttelen Luojan sormien lomitse, I sow by the finger of God (lit. through the interval of the fingers). Kal. ii. 297 (MehilÄinen lenti) Otavaisten olkapÄitse, SeitsentÄhty en selitse, (the bee flew) over the shoulder of the great bear, over the back of the seven stars.

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