Kasvoilta

Kasvoilta is a Finnish word form that appears in linguistic and descriptive contexts. It is derived from kasvot, meaning faces, and functions as the plural ablative form used to indicate source or origin. In practice, kasvoilta is most often encountered as part of expressions built into phrases that describe appearance or outward presentation.

A central usage in Finnish is the fixed expression kasvoiltaan, which translates roughly to “in appearance” or “as far as looks are concerned.” This form is commonly used to describe how someone appears rather than what they feel internally. For example, sentences such as Hän on kasvoiltaan iloinen (He looks cheerful) or Hänen kasvoiltaan paistoi epävarmuus (Uncertainty radiated from his/her face) illustrate how kasvoiltaan conveys outward impression. The expression is frequent in descriptive prose, journalism, and dialogue.

Morphologically, kasvoilta is the ablative plural form of kasvot (faces). When a possessive suffix or particle is added, it can yield nuanced meanings about appearance, demeanor, or facial expression. The construction highlights how much of an impression a person’s face gives in a given moment, rather than detailing internal states alone.

In usage beyond descriptive writing, kasvoiltaan also appears in literary and media contexts to signal character judgments based on facial cues or to create vivid sensory impressions. Related terms include kasvot (faces) and ilme (facial expression).

See also: kasvot, ilme, appearances.