-(r)ekiko
Towards, Regarding: -(r)ekiko
gurasoekiko harremana (the relationship with the parents), naturarekiko errespetua (respect for nature). -(r)ekiko is -(r)ekin with -ko in place of the final -n.
How It Works
1. The forms. Start from sociative -(r)ekin, drop its final -n and add -ko:
- singular: naturarekin → naturarekiko
- plural: gurasoekin → gurasoekiko
- pronouns: nirekiko, zurekiko, harekiko, gurekiko, zuekiko, haiekiko
2. Before a noun. The phrase describes the noun that follows, which tells what kind of relationship it is:
- ikasleekiko jarrera (the attitude towards the students)
- gobernuarekiko konfiantza (trust in the government)
- animaliekiko maitasuna (love for animals)
3. Only with nouns. A verb takes plain -(r)ekin: Gurasoekin hitz egin dut. The -ko form is only for describing a noun.
4. A style note. Formal writing sometimes uses -(r)ekiko for comparisons, as in X-rekiko desberdina (different from X). Style guides call this forced and suggest simpler ways, such as -(r)en aldean or X eta Y desberdinak dira. See bezalako, -(r)en antzeko, -(r)en aldean.
Tip: If you can say "towards" or "with" in English before a feeling or relationship word, -(r)ekiko is often the right choice.
Examples (6)
- Gurasoekiko harremana oso ona da.
The relationship with the parents is very good.
- Naturarekiko errespetua txikitatik ikasten da.
Respect for nature is learned from childhood.
- Irakasleak ikasleekiko jarrera aldatu du.
The teacher has changed her attitude towards the students.
- Gobernuarekiko konfiantza jaitsi egin da.
Trust in the government has fallen.
- Euskararekiko atxikimendua handia da herri honetan.
Attachment to Basque is strong in this town.
- Animaliekiko maitasuna erakutsi du beti.
She has always shown love for animals.
Common Mistakes
Using -(r)ekiko with a verb.
Gurasoekiko hitz egin dut.Gurasoekin hitz egin dut.-(r)ekiko only describes a noun. With a verb like hitz egin, use plain -(r)ekin.
How It Connects
Learn This First
-(r)ekiko combines -ekin and -ko.
Related Patterns
- -ko / -(r)en-ko or -(r)en?
Choosing between -ko and the genitive to describe a noun.
Level 3 - -(r)i dagokionezAs Regards
Another formal way to talk about a topic: "as regards".
Level 5 - -(r)i buruz / -zAbout
buruz is for the topic of speech, not for an attitude.
Level 3 - bezalako / -(r)en antzeko / -(r)en aldeanLike, Similar to, Compared with
Better choices than -(r)ekiko for comparisons.
Level 4
Practice -(r)ekiko in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Basque lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
