Kysymykselle

Kysymykselle is Finnish a form of the noun kysymys, meaning “question.” It is the allative singular form, created by adding the suffix -lle to the stem and used to indicate direction toward or the recipient of an action involving a question. In linguistic descriptions, kysymykselle is cited as an example of the allative case in Finnish.

Etymology and morphology: The base word kysymys denotes a question or inquiry. The allative suffix -lle marks destination or recipient, producing kysymykselle, i.e., “to the question” or “for the question.” This form is distinct from the illative kysymykseen, which expresses movement into or toward the question in a different sense.

Usage: In ordinary Finnish, the allative is commonly used with nouns that designate persons or entities receiving something or being targeted by an action. With kysymys, kysymykselle can appear in contexts where a question is treated as the recipient or target of an action, typically in formal or analytical language. For example: Annettiin vastaus kysymykselle, meaning “A response was given to the question.”

Distinctions: The illative kysymykseen (into the question) serves a related but different function, often describing movement toward the content of a question rather than addressing the question as a recipient. Finnish grammar commonly contrasts these cases to express nuance in direction, agency, and relation.

See also: Finnish grammar, allative case, illative case, kysymys (question).