taakse

Taakse is a Finnish spatial postposition used to indicate a direction toward the rear of a referent. It functions as a postpositional element that follows a noun, typically in the genitive, to specify a location behind that noun. For example, talon taakse means “to the back of the house” or “behind the house,” and oven taakse would mean “behind the door.” In these phrases, taakse specifies the part of space that is behind the referenced object.

Taakse is often contrasted with taaksepäin, which more generally expresses backward motion or direction (toward the rear in a broader sense). The distinction is subtle but practical: taakse often names a target location behind something, while taaksepäin emphasizes the direction of movement. Another related form is takana, which describes a position behind something (the house is behind something else) rather than movement toward it.

Etymologically, taakse derives from the Finnish tak- root meaning back, with the -e suffix forming a directional postposition. It is part of a broader set of Finnish spatial postpositions, including edessä (in front of) and takana (behind), used to describe spatial relations in relation to a reference object.

Usage notes:

- Noun in genitive commonly accompanies taakse, e.g., talon taakse, oven taakse.

- Used with verbs of movement or placement, as in Vie se talon taakse (Take it to the back of the house).

- Prefer taakse for specifying the target behind an object; use taaksepäin to emphasize backward movement in a general sense.