myöhäiselle

myöhäiselle is a Finnish word that functions as the allative case of the adjective "myöhäinen," meaning "late." In Finnish grammar, the allative case is used to indicate movement towards a place or a recipient, or in this context, a temporal destination. Therefore, "myöhäiselle" translates to "to late" or "for late."

The phrase "tulla myöhäiselle" literally means "to come to late." It is used to express the idea of arriving late for an event, appointment, or a specific time. For example, one might say "Jouduin tulemaan konserttiin myöhäiselle" which translates to "I had to come to the concert late." The adjective "myöhäinen" itself can also be used predicatively, meaning "it is late." However, when specifying *what* one is late *for*, the allative case is typically employed.

"myöhäiselle" can also appear in more idiomatic expressions. It might be used in a context where something is being prepared or designated for a later time, though this is less common than its use referring to arrival time. The allative case in Finnish is versatile, and its application with temporal adjectives like "myöhäinen" highlights its role in indicating directionality, even in abstract temporal concepts. Understanding this case ending is crucial for comprehending the nuances of Finnish temporal expressions.