Kohteliaisuudelta

Kohteliaisuudelta is the elative singular form of the Finnish noun kohteliaisuus, meaning politeness or courtesy. In Finnish grammar, the elative case is used to express origin, source, or motivation, so kohteliaisuudelta conveys that something is done from politeness or out of courtesy rather than from necessity, conviction, or personal interest. The form is often found in more formal or literary contexts, and it can subtly frame an action as dictated by social norms or politeness.

Usage and nuance

Kohteliaisuudelta describes the motive behind an action. For example, it can indicate that someone behaves in a certain way because of courtesy, perhaps to maintain politeness in social interaction. The expression emphasizes the social obligation or ritual aspect of behavior rather than a genuine personal feeling. In everyday speech, speakers more commonly use phrases like kohteliaisuuden vuoksi or kohteliaisuudesta, but kohteliaisuudelta remains correct and recognizable, especially in literary or careful prose.

Grammatical notes

Kohteliaisuudelta is formed from kohteliaisuus with the elative suffix -elta. It is used adverbially with verbs to denote the manner or motivation of an action, similar to phrases like “out of courtesy” in English. It does not specify who benefits from the courtesy or the exact social context, leaving interpretation to surrounding text.

See also

kohteliaisuus, elative case, Finnish grammar, courtesy

Examples

Hän vastasi kohteliaisuudeltaan. (He answered out of courtesy.)

Hän kiitti kohteliaisuudeltaan ennen kuin lähti. (He thanked [her] out of courtesy before leaving.)