lapselle

Lapselle is the Finnish allative form of the noun lapsi (child). It functions to indicate a recipient or target of an action and is commonly translated into English as “to the child” or “for the child,” depending on the context.

The form is created by adding the suffix -lle to the noun stem. In Finnish, -lle marks the allative, a directional or benefactive relation, rather than a separate dative case. The base word lapsi declines in other cases (for example, nominative lapsi, genitive lapsen), but lapselle is used specifically to express the recipient or intended beneficiary.

Usage in sentences is versatile. It appears with verbs of giving or offering: Annan lahjan lapselle. (I give the gift to the child.) It can also modify phrases describing purpose or suitability for recipients: lapselle tarkoitettu kirja (a book intended for the child) or ohjelma lapselle suunnattu (a program designed for the child). For plural recipients, the form is lapsille: Lahjat lapsille (Gifts for the children).

Lapselle is not limited to human children; it can be used figuratively for young animals or other recipients in certain contexts, though it remains most common in child-focused or educational materials. Understanding lapselle helps clarify who benefits from an action or who a product is intended for.

See also: allative case, lapsi, Finnish grammar.