lemmikille

Lemmikille is the allative case form of the Estonian noun lemmik, meaning a “favorite” or a “pet.” In Estonian, nouns decline for case, and the allative suffix -le marks direction toward or benefit for a recipient. When lemmik refers to a pet, lemmikille means “to the pet” or “for the pet”; when lemmik means a favorite person or thing, lemmikille can indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action, depending on context.

The form is commonly used with verbs of giving, sending, addressing, or honoring something for someone. It appears in everyday expressions such as giving food or gifts to one’s pet or favorite person, and in broader contexts where a thing or action is directed toward the recipient.

Examples include phrases like “Ma annan toitu lemmikule,” meaning “I give food to the pet,” illustrating the recipient role of lemmikille. Other contexts may use lemmikille to indicate the beneficiary of an action or treatment.

Lemmikille is a standard part of Estonian grammar and exemplifies how the allative case functions to indicate recipients or beneficiaries in sentences. It is most frequently encountered in colloquial speech and practical writing involving pets, favorites, or treated persons. See also Estonian grammar and case system for a broader understanding of allative usage.