adessív

Adessív, also called adessiivi, is a locative grammatical case used in several Finnic languages to express a static location on a surface or at a place. It denotes where something is located, rather than movement toward a location. The term is common in Finnish and Estonian grammar and is discussed in comparative Finnic descriptions.

In Finnish, the adessive is formed with the suffixes -lla/-llä for singular nouns and -illa/-illä for plural nouns. It generally follows the noun stem with limited phonological alternation. Examples include pöydällä (on the table) and talolla (at the house). The adessive is typically used for positions or destinations that are located at a surface or place without implying motion onto that surface.

In Estonian, a parallel adessive form exists, often realized with the suffix -l and its combinations. Common examples are laual (on the table) and põrandal (on the floor), illustrating the same basic function of marking static location on a surface.

Relation to other locatives: the adessive contrasts with the inessive (inside/on in) and the allative (toward/on to a surface). For motion toward a surface, many languages use the allative; for example, Finnish pöydälle means onto the table, while pöydällä means on the table.

Usage notes: The adessive primarily marks static position, but some languages exhibit broader or extended uses in certain contexts, such as general location or possession in some grammars. The exact suffixes and allomorphic behavior vary among Finnic languages, reflecting dialectal and historical differences.