Liittolaisten

Liittolaisten is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun liittolainen, meaning an ally or member of an alliance. The form is used when indicating possession or relation to the allies, and it appears in formal, diplomatic, or historical contexts. Common phrases include liittolaisten oikeudet (the rights of the allies) and liittolaisten velvoitteet (the obligations of the allies).

Etymology and grammar: Liittolainen is built from liitto, meaning "alliance," with the agent suffix -lainen, yielding a term for someone affiliated with an alliance. The genitive plural suffix -en produces liittolaisten. This construction is regular in Finnish for expressing belonging to or concern about a group of allies.

Usage and nuance: In modern Finnish, liittolaisten is primarily found in written or formal language, where a possessive relation to allied parties is being emphasized. It contrasts with liittolaiset, the nominative plural meaning simply "the allies." The term liittoutuneet is often used to refer to the Allied powers or to the act of forming an alliance in historical or wartime contexts. Examples include discussions of treaties, agreements, or cooperation among the allies: liittolaisten oikeudet turvataan (the rights of the allies are protected) and liittolaisten välinen yhteistyö (the cooperation among the allies).

See also: liittolainen, liitto, liittoutuneet.