ek-

Ek-: Begin or Sudden Action

Level 3

ek- shows the first moment of an action.

How It Works

VerbWith ek-Meaning
iri (go)ekiriset off
vidi (see)ekvidicatch sight of
dormi (sleep)ekdormifall asleep
pluvi (rain)ekpluvibegin to rain

With ek- you name the first moment of the action: Ewa ekvidas Kofin means that she catches sight of him, and then she may keep looking. Often there is a feeling of surprise.

A verb with ek- keeps its other properties, so ekvidi takes an object like vidi. The ending -iĝ- can also show a beginning, as in sidiĝi, but ek- is quicker and more sudden.

Examples (5)

  1. Ni ekiras je la oka.

    We set off at eight.

    Ekiri means start going.

  2. Ewa ekvidas Kofin en la stacidomo.

    Ewa catches sight of Kofi in the station.

    Ekvidi takes an object, so Kofin has -n.

  3. La infano ekdormas en la trajno.

    The child falls asleep on the train.

    Ekdormi means start to sleep.

  4. Kiam la muziko komenciĝas, ni ekkantas.

    When the music begins, we start singing.

    Ekkanti means start to sing.

  5. Subite ekpluvas.

    Suddenly it begins to rain.

    Ekpluvi means start to rain, and it needs no subject.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

ek-Level 3Ek-: Begin or Sudden Action

Learn This First

Ek- goes in front of a root and marks the start of an action.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.