alkupuolelle

Alkupuolelle is a Finnish directional form built from alkupuoli, meaning the beginning or front part, with the allative suffix -lle that indicates movement toward or toward the location of that part. In practice, alkupuolelle denotes moving to or referencing the beginning portion of something, such as a place, time period, or sequence.

The term is used in both spatial and temporal contexts. In spatial usage, it can refer to a location toward the front or early part of a larger area, for example a section of a city or a building project described as being toward the city’s alkupuolelle (the early/forward part). In temporal or planning contexts, it can indicate the early phase of a period, for instance kauden alkupuolelle (toward the early part of the season).

Formation and grammar are straightforward in Finnish: alkupuolelle combines the noun alkupuoli (the beginning/front part) with the allative -lle, signaling direction toward that part. It is most naturally used with definite nouns denoting a spatial or temporal referent, such as kaupungin alkupuolelle or kauden alkupuolelle. The phrase functions as a preposed or postposed directional element, often within larger noun phrases or as part of a planning or description sentence.

Etymologically, alkupuoli itself derives from alkus (beginning) and puoli (part/side), while -lle marks direction toward. Related terms include alkupuoli (the beginning/early part) and alkupuoliskot, which refer to the first half of a period or object in more specialized contexts. In contemporary Finnish, alkupuolelle tends to appear in formal or technical writing, planning discussions, and descriptive prose.

See also: alkupuoli, kauden alkupuolisko, kaupungin alkupuolisko.