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Postpositions for direction (e.g., “taakse”, “eteen”) Exercises in Finnish language

Students jotting down vocabulary words in library notebooks.

Mastering the use of postpositions for direction is a crucial step in becoming proficient in the Finnish language. Unlike prepositions in English, which typically come before the noun, Finnish postpositions follow the noun and provide essential information about direction and location. Words like "taakse" (behind) and "eteen" (in front) are just a few examples of how direction is conveyed through postpositions. Understanding and accurately using these postpositions will not only enhance your ability to give and understand directions but also enrich your overall communication skills in Finnish. In this series of grammar exercises, you will practice using various Finnish postpositions for direction in different contexts. These exercises are designed to help you become familiar with their correct usage, ensuring that you can navigate both literal and figurative spaces with confidence. Whether you are describing the location of objects, giving directions, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, these exercises will provide you with the tools needed to use postpositions effectively and naturally. Dive in and start honing your skills to gain greater fluency in Finnish!

Exercise 1

1. The cat jumped *taakse* the couch (behind). 2. He ran *eteen* the house to greet them (in front of). 3. She walked *ylös* the hill to get a better view (up). 4. They climbed *alas* the tree carefully (down). 5. The dog hid *alle* the table during the storm (under). 6. We drove *läpi* the city to reach our destination (through). 7. They paddled *yli* the river to reach the other side (over). 8. The bird flew *kautta* the forest to find food (through). 9. She stepped *ulkopuolelle* the building for fresh air (outside). 10. He placed the book *viereen* the lamp on the table (next to).

Exercise 2

1. He is walking *taakse* (where do you walk when you go behind something?). 2. She placed the book *eteen* (where do you place something in front of you?). 3. They drove the car *viereen* (where do you drive the car next to something?). 4. The cat jumped *päälle* (where does the cat jump on top of something?). 5. We moved the table *alle* (where do you move something under?). 6. She ran *kautta* the park (where do you run through something?). 7. He put the ladder *vastaan* the wall (where do you put something against?). 8. The dog ran *ohi* the house (where do you run past something?). 9. He climbed *ylös* the tree (where do you climb up?). 10. She walked *läpi* the forest (where do you walk through?).

Exercise 3

1. Hän kävelee puiston *läpi* (through the park). 2. Lapsi juoksee talon *taakse* (to the back of the house). 3. Koira menee puun *eteen* (in front of the tree). 4. Auto pysähtyy risteyksen *viereen* (next to the intersection). 5. Me matkustamme järven *ympäri* (around the lake). 6. Kissa hyppää tuolin *alle* (under the chair). 7. He kävelevät sillan *yli* (over the bridge). 8. Opiskelijat menevät rakennuksen *sisään* (inside the building). 9. Hän kulkee metsän *läpi* (through the forest). 10. Pyöräilijä ajaa pellon *ympäri* (around the field).