kotona

Kotona is a Finnish adverb meaning "at home" or "in one’s home." It is used to indicate location or state in relation to a home, and it is commonly paired with the verb olla (to be) or other verbs that describe being or staying somewhere. For example, Olen kotona. Hän on kotona tänään.

Etymology and form: Kotona is formed from the noun koti (home) with the common adverbial suffix -na, producing a fixed expression that conveys being at a home location. It functions as an adverb and does not change for person or number.

Usage notes: Kotona contrasts with kotiin, which means "to home" or "toward home" and is used to express movement toward home. It is also distinct from other location forms such as kotona and kotona voidaan, depending on the construction. In everyday language, kotona can convey a sense of comfort or domestic setting, as in references to staying or returning to one’s home.

Examples: Olen kotona illalla. He ovat kotona sairaana. Menen kotiin myöhemmin.

See also: koti, kotiin.