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Kysy rehtorilta, kuka valmistui opettajaksi.

Kysy rehtorilta, kuka valmistui opettajaksi.
Ask the principal who graduated as a teacher.
From Lesson 245:Asking someone (-lta/-ltä)·Finnish

Questions & Answers about Kysy rehtorilta, kuka valmistui opettajaksi.

Why do we use rehtorilta (from the principal) instead of asking "the principal" directly?
This is the main point of this lesson! The verb kysyä (to ask) requires the person you are asking to be in the ablative case (-lta/-ltä). In Finnish, you literally ask a question from someone, so it becomes rehtorilta.
Why does opettaja have the -ksi ending (opettajaksi) here?
The -ksi ending is the translative case, which shows a change of state or becoming something. The verb valmistua (to graduate) requires this case when stating what profession someone graduates as, because they are stepping into a new role.
Why is there a comma before kuka?
In Finnish grammar, you almost always put a comma between a main clause and a subordinate clause. Here, Kysy rehtorilta is the main clause, and the indirect question starting with kuka (who) is the subordinate clause, so a comma is strictly required.
Does the verb valmistui only mean "graduated"?
Not always! While valmistua means "to graduate" when talking about schools and professions, its broader meaning is "to get ready" or "to be completed". For example, ruoka valmistui means "the food got ready". Here, paired with opettajaksi, it clearly means graduating.

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