Tiukemmalla

Tiukemmalla is a Finnish word that functions as the adessive form of the comparative adjective tiukempi, meaning “tighter” or “stricter.” It describes a state in which something is more tight or more strict than a reference point. The form combines the comparative stem with the adessive suffix -lla, and is typically used in predicative constructions to express current condition.

In everyday language tiukemmalla is most often found in phrases describing physical fit, such as clothing or belts, but it can also appear in figurative contexts when referring to rules, schedules, or conditions being more restrictive. Common examples include: “Housut ovat tiukemmalla” (The pants are tighter) and “Vyö on tiukemmalla kuin ennen” (The belt is tighter than before). The word helps emphasize the prevailing state rather than simply stating a comparison.

Nuances and usage notes: tiukemmalla marks the state of being tighter or stricter and is frequently used when the speaker wants to highlight changes in condition over time. It is more about the current degree of tightness or strictness than about a pure, static attribute. For direct descriptions of a comparative degree across items rather than states, Finnish typically uses tiukempi in its basic comparative form (e.g., tiukemmat housut) rather than tiukemmalla.

See also: tiukka, tiukempi, tiukasti.