Kreipti

Kreipti is a Lithuanian verb with several related meanings centered on turning, directing, or addressing toward a target. In its general sense it means to turn or direct something toward a recipient or aim an action at something. It also appears in phrases that express directing attention or gaze, as in kreipti dėmesį į ką (to pay attention to something) or kreipti žvilgsnį į ką (to direct one’s gaze toward something). The reflexive form kreiptis is used when the subject directs the action toward themselves or seeks contact or help, often with the sense of addressing someone or an institution: kreiptis į gydytoją (to seek medical advice), kreiptis į teismą (to take a matter to court).

With a direct object and the preposition į, kreipti can indicate directing or submitting something toward a recipient, for example kreipti prašymą į ministeriją (to submit a request to the ministry) or kreipti dėmesį į klausimą (to draw attention to the question). The related verb kreiptis is more commonly used for addressing or appealing to someone or seeking assistance, and patterns with į are frequent in everyday language.

Etymology and form: the verb derives from the root kreip- meaning to bend or turn; the infinitive ends in -ti. It is conjugated like other Lithuanian -ti verbs, with person- and number-specific forms (for example in present and past tenses) and an imperative form for directing someone.

Usage notes: kreipti emphasizes directing or focusing toward a target, while kreiptis emphasizes addressing someone or seeking help. Related terms include kreipimasis (an act of addressing or petition) and kreiptis (to address oneself or to seek assistance).