kohti

Kohti is a Finnish directional postposition that means toward, in the direction of. It is used to express movement toward a target or destination, and the following noun phrase is typically in the partitive case.

Usage and function

Kohti is commonly paired with verbs of motion to indicate the endpoint of the movement. It can also be used in figurative or abstract senses, such as aiming toward a goal or future state. The construction often appears as kohti + a noun in partitive (for example, kohti kaupunkia, kohti tulevaisuutta). In everyday language, kohti emphasizes the direction and the intended target rather than merely a general orientation.

Nuances and related forms

Kohti contrasts with other Finnic directional terms like päin, which can indicate direction without a definite endpoint. While päin often describes general movement or facing toward a direction, kohti underscopes the destination or goal. Kohti can be used with both concrete and abstract targets, and it is productive in metaphorical phrases such as kohti parempaa huomista (toward a better tomorrow).

Examples

Kävelen kohti kaupunkia. (I walk toward the city.)

Lentokone suuntaa kohti itää. (The plane heads toward the east.)

Kohti valoa kulkevat ihmiset jaksavat usein jatkaa. (People moving toward the light often persevere.)

See also

Finnish grammar, postpositions, partitive case.