Using Postpositions
In English, we use prepositions (like "under" the table) that come before the noun. Finnish typically uses postpositions, which come after the noun they relate to.
When using these postpositions, the noun that comes before them must be in the genitive case. You form the genitive by adding -n to the end of the word. For example, pöytä (table) becomes pöydän.
Let's see how this works with the postposition alla (under):
| The cat sleeps under the table. | Kissa nukkuu pöydän alla. |
| The key is under the rug. | Avain on maton alla. |
More Location Words
Other common postpositions include takana (behind) and vieressä (next to). Notice how the noun preceding them always ends in the genitive -n.
| The yard is behind the house. | Piha on talon takana. |
| The restaurant is next to the hotel. | Ravintola on hotellin vieressä. |
You can also use edessä (in front of) and päällä (on top of / on).
| The dog is sitting in front of the door. | Koira istuu oven edessä. |
| The shirt is on the bed. | Paita on sängyn päällä. |
Adjectives with Postpositions
If you describe the noun with an adjective, the adjective must also take the genitive ending -n to match the noun. For example, iso (big) becomes ison, and pieni (small) becomes pienen.
| The cat is sitting on the large rug. | Kissa istuu ison maton päällä. |
| The mirror is behind the small lamp. | Peili on pienen lampun takana. |
Between Two Things
To say something is "between" two objects, use the postposition välissä. Since there are two objects, both of them must be in the genitive case.
| The table is between the sofa and the window. | Pöytä on sohvan ja ikkunan välissä. |
| The child is sitting between mother and father. | Lapsi istuu äidin ja isän välissä. |
