yhdelle

Yhdelle is the allative form of the Finnish cardinal number yksi (one). In Finnish grammar the allative case, marked with the suffix -lle, indicates direction toward or for a recipient. Yhdelle is used when the recipient is a single entity, and it forms part of a broader set of numerals in the allative, such as kahdelle, kolmelle, neljälle, and so on.

The primary use of yhdelle is to specify a single recipient or target in expressions of allocation, giving, or designation. Examples include: “Annan lahjan yhdelle henkilölle” (I will give the gift to one person) and “Kolmelle ihmiselle on varattu pöytä” (A table has been reserved for three people). The form can also appear with other noun phrases, for instance in phrases like “yhdelle kappaleelle” (to one piece) or “yhdelle asiakkaalle” (to one customer), depending on what is being addressed.

In relation to other case forms of the number, yhdelle contrasts with the genitive form kuten “yhden” (as in ‘yhden henkilön’) which marks possession or quantity, rather than direction toward a recipient. The allative form is most common in contexts of distribution, assignment, or addressing specific recipients, and it tends to be more frequent in written or formal language than in casual speech.