Oikealla

Oikealla is a Finnish word used to indicate position on the right side or movement toward the right. It is the adessive form of the adjective oikea, which means both right and correct. In spatial phrases, oikealla marks location on the right side, as in Se on oikealla (It is on the right). It can also occur in phrases specifying the side of a body part or object, for example oikealla kädellä (with the right hand) or oikealla puolella taloa (on the right side of the house).

In directions, the related form oikealle is used to express movement toward the right, for example Käänny oikealle (Turn right). The distinction between oikealla and oikealle is primarily grammatical: oikealla marks a stationary location, while oikealle indicates motion toward the right.

Etymology and grammar: oikealla derives from the adjective oikea, meaning right or correct, with Finnic inflectional endings. Finnish uses a system of cases and postpositions rather than prepositions, so oikealla appears with the adessive case to express location, and with the allative form oikealle for direction.

Usage notes: oikealla is common in everyday speech, signage, and instructional language, especially in contexts involving orientation, driving directions, or describing the position of objects. It contrasts with vasemmalla (on the left) and vasemmalle (to the left).

See also: oikea, vasen, oikein.