Lõpu

Lõpu is the genitive singular form of the Estonian noun lõpp, which means end, conclusion, or termination. Lõpp refers to the end point of a period, event, process, or sequence, and can denote a final outcome in both abstract and concrete contexts. The form lõpu is used when lõpp appears in a genitive construction, for example in phrases that express “the end of X.”

In addition to its inflected use, lõpu often appears as a component in compound words that convey end-related meanings. One common example is lõpuosa, meaning the final part or ending portion of something. As a bound morpheme, lõpu helps form terms that describe endings, conclusions, or final stages in various domains such as time, structure, or narrative.

Etymology and related languages: lõpp is cognate with Finnish loppu, and both derive from a Proto-Finnic root meaning end. This shared origin reflects the close relationship between Estonian and other Finnic languages. The specific genitive form lõpu is a standard grammatical inflection used in attributive and nominal expressions.

Usage notes: In standard Estonian, lõpu functions mainly as a grammatical form of lõpp and appears in formal or written contexts when indicating possession or relation to an end, such as “the end of the year” or similar constructions, where the genitive form is employed in the modifying noun phrase. It is not a separate lexical entry beyond its role as a case form and a component in end-related compounds.

See also: lõpp; end; Finnish loppu; Proto-Finnic languages.