kolmelta

Kolmelta is a time expression in Finnish that translates roughly as “at three o’clock.” It is the adessive form of the numeral kolme used to indicate when something happens. The form is commonly used in everyday speech and in schedules when the clock reference is understood from context, often without the word kello.

Usage: It answers questions such as “mihin aikaan?” (at what time?). For example, “Palaveri alkaa kolmelta” means “The meeting starts at three.” The expression can be extended with additional modifiers to specify parts of the day, such as “kolmelta illalla,” though most speakers rely on context to indicate morning, afternoon, or evening.

Morphology: Finnish time expressions with hours typically take the -elta/-ltä suffix. With other hours, similar forms include neljältä (four o’clock) and viideltä (five o’clock), reflecting a common pattern for hour-based timing.

Variations: In formal writing, time is sometimes stated with “kello” and the numbers, for example “kello kolme” for three o’clock. Both forms are widely understood, and choice depends on formality and regional habit.

See also: Finnish language, Time expressions in Finnish.