Signaalil

Signaalil is the locative form of the Estonian noun signaal, meaning signal. In standard Estonian, signaalil roughly translates to “at the signal” or “on the signal” and is used to describe location or timing in relation to a signal. It is formed by adding the locative suffix -il to the stem signaal and appears in both everyday language and technical contexts where actions are described in relation to a signal or a triggering event.

In practical use, signaalil commonly occurs in instructions, manuals, and descriptions of signaling systems. It is found in discussions of railway signaling, traffic control, and communications protocols, where operations are described as taking place on or at a signal. The form can be combined with various verbs to convey initiation, continuation, or termination in connection with the signal, such as expressions that imply starting, stopping, or synchronizing with a signal.

Signaalil does not constitute a separate lexical item with a distinct meaning beyond the locative function; instead, it illustrates how Estonian marks spatial and temporal relations to a signal through case endings. It is part of the broader system of case-based locatives that Estonian uses to express where and when events occur relative to objects or events.

See also signaal, signaalitus.