perustoilla

Perustoilla is a Finnish noun form meaning “on the bases/foundations.” It is the inessive plural form of perusta, which denotes a foundation, base, or underlying principle. The expression refers to something that rests on or is supported by multiple bases, and it can be used both in literal, physical contexts and in more abstract, conceptual discussions.

In practice, perustoilla appears mainly in technical or descriptive writing. It is common in fields such as architecture, construction, or archaeology when describing structures that rest on several foundations or footings. For example, a sentence might read: Rakennuksen perustoilla sijaitsevat pylväät tukevat koko rakennetta. This conveys that the columns are located on the building’s bases and support the structure.

Figurative or metaphorical use of perusta-related concepts tends to favor other expressions. The plural form perustoilla is less common in everyday figurative language; speakers more often use phrases like perusperiaatteet (fundamental principles) or yksittäisen perustan, perustan, or other constructions depending on the context.

Etymologically, perustoilla derives from perusta (foundation, base) with the usual Finnish case and number endings. It illustrates how Finnish uses case endings to express precise spatial or logical relationships.

See also: perusta, peruste, perustus, perusperiaatteet.