Kõigub

Kõigub is an Estonian verb meaning to move in a swaying or rocking manner. It is used to describe motion that is not smooth or linear, often implying instability or oscillation. The form "kõigub" represents the present tense, third-person singular, as in the sentence "Laev kõigub merel" (The ship rocks on the sea). The word can apply to people, objects, or vessels that exhibit a side-to-side or up-and-down movement.

Usage and nuance

Kõigub is commonly used for physical motion, such as boats rocking in waves, trees bending in the wind, or furniture that shifts due to vibrations. It can convey a range of motions from gentle swaying to more noticeable instability. In metaphorical use, it may describe uncertain or unsettled situations, though this is less frequent and often requires context to avoid ambiguity.

Relation to related terms

The verb is formed in the standard Estonian pattern for present-tense third-person singular by adding the ending -b to the stem kõig-. Related words include kõikumine (oscillation, sway) and kõigutama (to rock or tilt, often implying action that causes the rocking). These derivatives help express the broader concept of movement and instability in Estonian.

Grammar and occurrence

Kõigub behaves as an intransitive verb in most uses, describing the motion of the subject without a direct object. It appears in both descriptive statements and narrative contexts to convey physical motion or rhythmic oscillation.

See also

Kõikumine, kõigutama, kõigutus, Estonian verb conjugation patterns.