The locative cases also have many non-local functions.
The inessive case (-ssa/-ssä) expresses time.
Muutamme maaliskuussa uuteen asuntoon.
We will move to a new apartment in March.
Opin suomen kielen vuodessa.
I learned the Finnish language in a year.
Elative (-sta/-stä)
| Purpose of use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Expresses topic | Puhumme sinusta. We are talking about you. Tämä kirja kertoo Suomen historiasta. This book is about the history of Finland. Kiitos avusta! Thanks for help! |
| Expresses origin and reason | John on kotoisin Englannista. John is from England. Pullo on tehty muovista. The bottle is made of plastic. Minä itken ilosta. I’m crying with joy. |
| Expresses beginning (since when) | Olen töissä maanantaista perjantaihin. I’m at work from Monday to Friday. Kauppa on auki kymmenestä kymmeneen. The shop is open from ten to ten. |
| Expresses opinion | Minusta se on kallis. I think it is expensive. |
| Expresses absence from somewhere | Oppilas on poissa koulusta. The pupil is absent from school. Myöhästyin junasta. I was late for the train. |
Illative (-Vn, -hVn, -seen)
| Purpose of use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Expresses ending | Olen töissä maanantaista perjantaihin. I’m at work from Monday to Friday. Kauppa on auki kymmenestä kymmeneen. The shop is open from ten to ten. |
| Used for farewells and good wishes | Huomiseen! Until tomorrow! Tsemppiä muuttoon! Good luck with the move! |
Adessive (-lla/-llä)
| Purpose of use | Esimerkkejä |
|---|---|
| Expresses owner | Tommilla on kaksi koiraa. Tommi has two dogs. Minulla on kysymys. I have a question. |
| Expresses state | Minulla on nälkä. I am hungry. (lit. I have hunger.) Onko sinulla kylmä? Are you cold? (lit. Do you have cold?) |
| Expresses a way, means and instrument | Maksatko kortilla? Will you pay by card? Syön pastaa haarukalla. I eat pasta with a fork. Tuletteko junalla vai bussilla? Will you come by train or by bus? |
| Expresses time in certain time expressions | Talvella sataa lunta. In winter it snows. |
Ablative (-lta/-ltä)
| Purpose of use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Expresses ban/prohibition | Tämä elokuva on kielletty lapsilta. This movie is prohibited for children. |
| Expresses source | Sain apua ystävältä. I got help from a friend. Kysy opettajalta! Ask the teacher! |
| Used with sensory verbs | Kuulostaa hyvältä! Sounds good! Sinä näytät upealta. You look gorgeous. |
Allative (-lle)
| Purpose of use | Examples |
|---|---|
| Expresses listener and recipient | Minä soitan äidille. I’ll call my mother. Minulla on lahja sinulle. I have a gift for you. |
| Used with sensory verbs | Ruoka maistuu pahalle. The food tastes bad. |