Tauluissa

Tauluissa is the inessive plural form of taulu, a Finnish noun with several related meanings. The word commonly refers to both a painting or picture and a board, panel, or sign used for display or communication. In art discourse taulu denotes a painting on canvas or wood, while in everyday or design language it can mean a chalkboard, whiteboard, bulletin board, or informational panel.

Etymology and scope: taulu derives from Finnic roots with cognates in Swedish tavla and German Tafel, reflecting a shared sense of a flat surface used for representation, writing, or display. The term covers objects used to present imagery, as well as surfaces that convey text or instructions.

Grammar and usage: taulu is a neuter noun. Its plural nominative is taulut, and the inessive plural form is tauluissa, meaning “in the boards/paintings” or “on the boards/paintings,” depending on context. Examples: Tauluissa näkyy vanhoja maalauksia. (In the paintings, old artworks are visible.) Tauluissa on ohjeet. (The signs/boards contain instructions.)

Context and nuance: The exact meaning of tauluissa is determined by context. In art criticism or museum labels, tauluissa usually refers to the paintings themselves. In schools, offices, or public spaces, tauluissa points to display boards or signs. The term should not be confused with related words such as taulukko (table or chart) or taulutus (tabulation).

See also: taulu, taulut, taulukko, tavla, Tafel.