Vasemmalle

Vasemmalle is a Finnish directional term meaning “to the left” or “toward the left side.” It is built from the adjective vasen (left) and the allative suffix -lle, and it functions as an adverbial expression used with verbs of motion to indicate direction.

The term is commonly used in everyday instructions and navigation. Examples include Käänny vasemmalle (Turn left) and Mene vasemmalle seuraavaan risteykseen (Go to the left at the next intersection). It can also appear as vasemmalle päin to emphasize movement toward the left side.

Grammatically, vasemmalle is the allative form of vasen and is typically used when describing movement toward a location. In contrast, what you are at or on the left is expressed with vasemmalla, meaning “on the left.” For example, Olen vasemmalla means “I am on the left side.”

Antonyms and related terms include oikealle, meaning “to the right”; vasen, meaning “left” as an adjective or noun, and vasemmanpuoleinen, meaning “left-hand” or “left-hand-side.” The word is primarily directional and not used as a noun on its own.

Usage notes emphasize that vasemmalle is most natural with verbs of motion and in written or spoken directions, such as signs, maps, and instructions. It is part of a set of Finnish directional expressions that also includes oikealle, ylöspäin (upward), and alaspäin (downward).