küllastuseni

Küllastuseni is an Estonian adverbial expression meaning up to the point of satiation or fullness. It is formed from the noun küllastus (satiation, fullness) with the suffix -eni, which denotes extent or limit. The resulting phrase is used to describe reaching the maximum degree of a state rather than its onset.

Usage and nuance: Küllastuseni is most often used in contexts relating to eating or consumption, indicating that someone has reached a state of fullness. It can also be employed metaphorically to signify reaching the upper limit of an experience or activity. The construction fits both formal and literary styles and typically accompanies verbs of reaching or attaining, such as jõudma or saama.

Etymology and grammar: The base word küllastus denotes fullness or satiety. The suffix -eni is a productive Estonian marker used to form expressions that mean up to, until, or to the extent of. As an adverbial phrase, küllastuseni modifies the verb or the clause to convey the idea of arriving at a state of fullness.

Related terms: küllastus (satiation), küllastuma (to become sated), küllastunud (satisfied, full). The concept is closely tied to discussions of appetite, eating behavior, and thresholds of experience.

Examples: Ta sõi nii palju, et jõudis küllastuseni. Pärast pikka pidu jõuti küllastuseni; kõht oli täis. These illustrate the sense of reaching the limit of fullness.

Overall, küllastuseni is a compact linguistic device for expressing a state achieved to its maximum in Estonian.