Learn Hardcore Finnish: Pomo saapuu kokoukseen täsmällisesti. - The boss arrives at the meeting punctually.

kokoukseen is the illative case of kokous (meeting). The illative suffix -seen indicates movement “into” or “to” something. Thus kokoukseen = “to the meeting.”

What does täsmällisesti mean?

täsmällisesti is an adverb meaning punctually, precisely, or on time. It emphasizes exactness.

How do you form täsmällisesti from täsmällinen?

Most Finnish adjectives form adverbs by adding -sti. Here täsmällinen (precise) + -sti → täsmällisesti.

What tense and person is saapuu?

saapuu is the present tense, third person singular form of saapua (to arrive). In Finnish the present tense can also express future actions (e.g. “He arrives” = “He will arrive”).

Why use saapuu instead of tulee?

Both verbs can mean “arrive,” but saapua is more formal and specific (“to reach, arrive at”), whereas tulla (“to come”) is more general.

Can täsmällisesti be placed elsewhere in the sentence?

Finnish word order is flexible. Placing the adverb before the verb (Pomo täsmällisesti saapuu kokoukseen) is grammatically correct but less common. After the verb is neutral: Pomo saapuu kokoukseen täsmällisesti.

Why aren’t there articles like “the” or “a” in this sentence?

Finnish has no articles. Context and case endings (like the illative -seen) tell you if something is definite (“the meeting”) or indefinite.

What’s the difference between kokoukseen and kokouksessa?

kokoukseen (illative) = “into/to the meeting” (motion). kokouksessa (inessive) = “in the meeting” (location).

Can I replace täsmällisesti with ajallaan? What’s the nuance?

Yes: Pomo saapuu kokoukseen ajallaan means “The boss arrives on time.” ajallaan stresses he’s not late (and could even be early), while täsmällisesti stresses exact punctuality.

How would you ask “When does the boss arrive at the meeting?” in Finnish?

You’d say Milloin pomo saapuu kokoukseen? – Milloin = “When,” pomo = “boss,” saapuu = “arrives,” kokoukseen = “to the meeting.”