alaisille

Alaisille is the plural allative form of the Finnish noun alainen, which historically means a person who is subordinate or subject to someone else. The allative suffix -lle marks direction toward or for the recipients, so alaisille translates roughly as “to the subordinates” or “for the subordinates.”

In modern Finnish, alainen and its plural alaiset are most often found in formal, historical, or literary contexts. The term can carry a sense of hierarchy or feudal or master–servant relationships, and today it is less common in everyday language. When referring to people in contemporary organizations, speakers typically use more neutral terms such as työntekijät (employees) or henkilöt (individuals), depending on the exact context.

Usage notes: alaisille is used to indicate the audience or recipients of actions, communications, or directives. For example, ohjeet alaisille means instructions directed at or intended for subordinates. Because alainen can have archaic or potentially pejorative connotations, it is important to consider context and tone, and to choose alternative expressions when appropriate.

Etymology and related forms: alainen derives from roots related to “below” or “under,” reflecting a hierarchical relationship. The form alaisille is part of a system of case endings that specify beneficiary or recipient in Finnish, and it contrasts with other cases such as alaiset (nominative plural) or alaisen (genitive singular).