komitatiiviinstrumentaali

The komitatiiviinstrumentaali is a grammatical case found in some Finnic languages, notably Finnish and Estonian. It expresses a shared or accompanying role, often translated as "with" or "along with." This case is unique in that it combines the semantic functions of both the comitative and instrumental cases.

In Finnish, the komitatiiviinstrumentaali is typically formed by adding the suffix -ine to the noun stem, followed by a possessive suffix if referring to a specific person's possession. For example, "lapsi" (child) becomes "lapsineen" (with their child). It can also be used in a more general sense, like "vaimoineen" (with their wives). This construction is considered somewhat archaic or literary, with more common alternatives often used in everyday speech.

In Estonian, the equivalent construction is also present, though its usage and form can vary. It serves a similar purpose of indicating accompaniment or instrumentality. The grammatical nuances and specific contexts in which the komitatiiviinstrumentaali is employed contribute to the rich expressiveness of these languages. While less frequent in modern colloquial use, understanding this case is crucial for a complete grasp of Finnic grammar.