lähelliset

Lähelliset is a Finnish term used to refer to people who are close to someone, such as family, friends, or others in one’s inner circle. It functions as a plural noun describing those deemed close, and can be translated as “the close ones” or “the near ones.” The word is related to the adjective lähellinen, meaning near or close, and its use as a substantive plural form conveys a group of people who share a close relationship with the speaker.

In common Finnish, the more standard spelling for this idea is often läheiset, but lähelliset appears in some contexts, especially in informal or regional speech, when a speaker wants to emphasize physical or emotional closeness. The distinction between lähelliset and läheiset is subtle and largely stylistic rather than grammatical.

Usage notes:

- Lähelliset frequently appear in sentences about support, care, or proximity. Examples: “Lähelliset tukevat minua vaikeina aikoina.” (“The close ones support me in difficult times.”) “Hänen lähellisensä ovat olleet kärsivällisiä.” (“His/her close ones have been patient.”)

- In more formal or standard writing, läheiset is typically preferred, whereas lähelliset may be encountered in dialogue, narrative, or regional speech.

Etymology and form:

- The form derives from the adjective lähellinen (near/close) and the pluralizing pattern of Finnish adjectives used as nouns. It stands opposite to more general terms like perhe or ystävät and to closer technical terms such as lähimmäiset (the nearest relatives).

See also:

- läheinen (near/close; used as adjective or noun in related senses)

- lähimmäiset (the closest relatives or near ones)

- perhe (family)

- ystävät (friends)