להקיף
lehakif
To say surround in Hebrew, use the verb להקיף (lehakif).
להקיף means to encircle something or to go around it on all sides. It is the infinitive, the form listed in dictionaries.
Meaning: to encircle something or simultaneously extend in all directions (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present tense the masculine singular form is מקיף, which can also work as an adjective meaning surrounding. The past tense for he surrounded is הקיף, and the future for he will surround is יקיף.
How do you pronounce it?
It is romanized as lehakif.
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, the expression 'to outrun' or 'to lap' someone in a race uses the verb להקיף, meaning the winner has physically surrounded the other runner.
- The word carries a unique emotional range in Hebrew, moving from the harsh military context of encircling a city to the gentle expression of 'surrounding' someone with love. This makes it a versatile tool for both combat and affection.
- The verb להקיף is the root of the word for 'circumference' (היקף), meaning the distance around a circle is literally its 'surrounding'.
Examples in context
- השומר מקיף את הבית כמעט תמיד.The guard surrounds the house almost always.
- הם הקיפו את העירThey surrounded the city
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at a map of a new park design.
- רוטם Rotemאנחנו צריכים להקיף את האגם בעצים.anakhnu tsrikhim lehakif et ha'agam be'atzim.We need to surround the lake with trees.
- נועם Noamזה רעיון מצוין, רוטם.ze ra'ayon metzuyan, Rotem.That is an excellent idea, Rotem.
- רוטם Rotemזה ייראה ממש יפה.ze yire'e mamash yafa.It will look really beautiful.
- נועם Noamאני אכין תוכנית עבור זה.ani akhin tokhnit avor ze.I will prepare a plan for it.
