kilpailulle

Kilpailulle is the allative form of the Finnish noun kilpailu, meaning a competition or contest. It expresses direction toward a competition or, in some contexts, purpose related to participating in it. In English, it can be translated roughly as "to the competition" or "for the competition." The allative suffix -lle marks destination or recipient and is used with verbs and constructions that indicate movement toward or attention to a place or event.

Common usage examples include phrases with motion or participation possibilities, such as Hän on menossa kilpailulle (He is going to the competition) and Ilmoittaudu kilpailulle nettisivuillamme (Register for the competition on our website). The form is typically chosen when the emphasis is on the competition as a destination or target of action.

Notes and distinctions: Finnish also has the illative case, exemplified by kilpailuun, which more directly signals movement into or entry into the competition (for example, participating in the event). Thus, kilpailulle and kilpailuun convey related but distinct nuances—-lle emphasizes destination or purpose toward the competition, while -uun/-oon marks entry into it.

Plural form: kilpailuille exists and means "to the competitions," used when referring to multiple contests or events.

Etymology: derived from kilpailu (competition) with the allative suffix -lle. See also kilpailu, illatiivi (illative) kilpailuun, allatiivi (allative) in Finnish grammar.