paikalta

Paikalta is a Finnish locative form derived from the noun paikka (place) with the ablative suffix -lta, meaning “from the place.” It marks origin or a starting point in space and is commonly used to indicate where an action begins or where something comes from. The form is typically attached to a noun phrase referring to a concrete location, such as a room, a building, or a geographical area.

Etymology and related forms: The word combines paikka with -lta to signal origin. It is part of a family of locative expressions derived from paikka. Other common variants include paikasta (from the place) and paikkalle (to the place), as well as expressions like paikan päällä (on site).

Usage and nuance: Paikalta answers the question Mistä? (From where?). It is used in contexts describing extraction, movement away from a location, or the source of an object or action. Example translations: “Hän otti avaimen paikalta pöydältä.” (“He took the key from the spot on the table.”) and “Lähdin paikalta ennen tilaisuutta.” (“I left from the place before the event.”)

See also: paikka, paikasta, paikkalle, paikan päällä.