lähelle

Lähelle is a Finnish word used as an adverb to express proximity or movement toward a location. In general, it conveys the idea of being close to something or approaching within a short distance. The form is commonly found in everyday speech and in written Finnish to describe spatial relations or near-proximity context.

Etymology and grammar: lähelle is formed from the adjective root meaning near and the allative suffix -lle, which marks direction toward something. This combination yields a phrase that indicates motion toward a nearby point or a target that lies close by. It is related to lähellä, which means “in the near vicinity,” but lähelle carries a directional sense rather than a static state.

Usage and examples: lähelle is typically used with verbs of motion or with expressions that describe approaching a location. For example, saying “Menen kaupungin lähelle” communicates “I am going toward the area near the city” or more simply “I go close to the city.” Another example is “Se on lähelle,” meaning “It is near” or “It is close by,” where lähelle emphasizes proximity in a directional sense less than the static proximity of lähellä. In practice, speakers choose lähelle to highlight movement toward a proximity rather than simply being near.

Relation to other forms: lähellä denotes proximity or presence in close distance, while lähelle emphasizes approaching or moving toward proximity. The allative use of -lle appears with place names or nouns in genitive form to specify the target of the movement or approach.

See also: Finnish grammar, allative case, proximity expressions.