Ablative case in Estonian

When to use the ablative case in Estonian?

The ablative case (alaltütlev kääne in Estonian) indicates movement off or away from something.

It is basically used in two senses:

1) It indicates the object from the surface of which a movement occurs. It answers the questions kust? 'where from?', kellelt? 'off whom? away from whom?' and millelt? 'off what? away from what?'.

• Võta tekk diivanilt. --- Take the blanket off (from) the sofa.
• Ma lahkusin laevalt viimasena. --- I was the last one to get off the ship.
• Ta just astus tänavalt tuppa. --- He just stepped inside from the street.

2) The ablative indicates the person from whom one recieves, takes or demands something. It answers the question kellelt? 'from whom? of whom?',

• Ma laenasin õelt raha. --- I borrowed money from my sister.
• See kiri on emalt. --- This letter is from mother.
• Küsi Jürilt, kui vana ta on. --- Ask Jüri how old is he.

How to form the ablative case in Estonian?

The ending -lt is added to the genitive form of the word.

The adjective that modifies a noun in the allative, adessive or ablative case must be in the same case form as the noun.

• Sain selle kirja oma kallilt emalt. --- I got this letter from my dear mother.
• Käisime pikal reisil. --- We went on a long trip.
• Ära istu külmal toolil. --- Don't sit on a cold chair.

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