välimatkojen

Välimatkojen is the genitive plural form of the Finnish noun välimatka, which refers to the distance between two points or objects, or to a general gap or interval. In everyday language välimatka denotes physical distance, such as the distance one travels or the spacing between locations. Välimatkojen, as the genitive plural, is used when speaking about multiple distances in relation to something else, for example välimatkojen pituudet (the lengths of the distances) or välimatkojen ero (the difference between distances).

Etymology and morphology: Välimatka is a compound of väli meaning between and matka meaning journey or distance. The form välimatkojen follows standard Finnish grammar for the genitive plural of a noun ending in -ka. This form signals possession, relation, or association with several distances, rather than a single distance.

Usage: Välimatkojen appears in travel planning, geography, logistics, and sports writing when discussing several distances within a route or area. Examples include: “Reitin suunnittelussa on arvioitava välimatkojen pituudet,” and “Keskustan alueen välimatkojen pituudet vaikuttavat bussivuorojen aikatauluihin.” In everyday Finnish, välimatka emphasizes practical, experiential distance, while etäisyys tends to be used in more formal or technical contexts.

Relation to related terms: In mathematical or highly formal contexts, etäisyys is the more common term for distance, whereas välimatka is used in ordinary speech to denote a stretch or gap between points. Välimatkojen as a genitive form is a normal inflection giving possession or reference to multiple distances.