Täplien

Täplien is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun täplä, meaning “spot” or “dot.” Täplä refers to a small mark on a surface, such as a pigment speck, a dot in a pattern, or a natural marking on an animal or leaf. The standard nominative plural is täplät, used when the spots themselves are the subject. When describing quantity or possession, täplien is used, as in täplien määrä (“the number of spots”) or täplien väri (“the color of the spots”).

Usage of täplien spans many contexts. It appears in descriptions of fabrics or designs featuring polka-dot patterns, in veterinary or botanical observations noting spots on animals or plants, and in dermatological or anatomical descriptions of markings on skin or tissue. In literary or artistic contexts, täplien can be used metaphorically to refer to blemishes, irregularities, or distinct decorative marks on a surface or composition.

Grammar and origins: Täplä is a native Finnish word, and täplien is the common genitive plural form used when the spots are described or quantified by another noun. The form helps express relationships such as ownership, description, or measurement of multiple marks. It contrasts with the singular genitive täplän (of a spot) and with the nominative plural täplät (spots).

See also: täplä; patterns and designs involving spots; Finnish noun paradigms.