tuhkalla

Tuhkalla is the adessive form of the Finnish noun tuhka, which means ash. In Finnish, adessive forms indicate location on the surface of something, so tuhkalla translates roughly as “on the ash” or “on top of the ashes.” It is used to describe objects or substances resting on the surface of ashes, such as in a fireplace or ash heap.

In usage, tuhkalla contrasts with other case forms that describe different spatial relations. For example, tuhassa means “in the ash” or “inside the ashes,” indicating a location within rather than on the surface. Other related forms express movement toward or away from ashes: tuhkalle means “to the ashes,” and tuhkasta means “from the ash.” These case forms are part of Finnish noun inflection and help express precise spatial relationships without prepositions.

Example:

- Tuhkalla lepäsi pieni hiutale. (A small flake lay on the ashes.)

The form is predominantly used in contexts involving physical material on ash surfaces, such as remnants from a fire, cremation ashes, or volcanic ash in relevant descriptions. It is part of standard Finnish grammar and is understood by speakers as a straightforward locative marker for surface contact with ash.

See also

- Tuhka

- Finnish grammar and noun cases