Naapurilta

Naapurilta is a Finnish phrase meaning “from the neighbor.” It is the ablative singular form of the noun naapuri (neighbor) and is formed with the suffix -ilta (-ltä). The form is used to indicate origin or source, typically answering questions such as “From whom?” or “From where did you get it?”

Common uses

- Indicating source of information: Naapurilta kuulin uutisen. (I heard the news from the neighbor.)

- Indicating source of something received or borrowed: Olin lainannut sokeria naapurilta. (I borrowed sugar from the neighbor.)

- Expressing help or action originating with a neighbor: Naapurilta saa usein apua kiireessä. (You can often get help from the neighbor in a hurry.)

Nuances

- Naapurilta emphasizes the source as a person or entity (the neighbor) rather than a location. It contrasts with forms like naapurissa (in/at the neighbor’s place) or naapurista (from the neighbor, often with a slightly different nuance, such as origin from a place or from the neighbor themselves).

- Like other Finnish ablative expressions, naapurilta appears with verbs that describe receiving, hearing, or obtaining something from someone.

Related forms

- Allative: naapurille (to the neighbor)

- Adessive: naapurilla (on the neighbor)

- Other cases of naapuri/naapuri provide similar distinctions for different meanings and contexts.

See also

- Finnish grammar: the ablative case and case usage

- Naapuri as a vocabulary entry for basic neighborhood terms

Overall, naapurilta is a practical and common way to indicate a source or origin in everyday Finnish.