Postitse

Postitse is a Finnish adverb meaning by mail or through the postal service. It describes the method by which something is sent, delivered, or requested to be delivered, typically indicating physical correspondence or documents mailed rather than sent electronically or delivered in person. The term is commonly found in official instructions, forms, and legal or administrative language, where it clarifies that notices, applications, or documents should be sent by postal service.

Etymologically, postitse combines posta, meaning postal service or mail, with the adverbial suffix -itse, which creates a means-based expression. This construction is part of a broader Finnish pattern that forms adverbs of means from nouns, such as sähköisesti (electronically) or puhelimitse (by phone).

In contrast to postitse, other delivery expressions describe different channels. Sähköisesti is used for electronic transmission, while henkilökohtaisesti refers to delivery in person or direct handover. In everyday speech, postitse appears more often in written or formal contexts, whereas people might simply say “postilla” to refer to mail through the postal system in a less formal way.

Examples include phrases like “lähettää hakemus postitse” (send the application by post) or “tiedote toimitetaan postitse” (the notice will be delivered by mail). While digital communication has reduced reliance on postal delivery, postitse remains standard terminology in administrative and legal settings in Finland.