Läbib

Läbib is an Estonian verb meaning to pass through or to traverse, and it can also mean to pass or complete something such as an exam or a course. In physical sense it often describes moving from one side of a place to the other, as in a river or road that goes through a region. In a figurative sense it is used for achieving a threshold or completing a task, such as passing an examination or finishing a course of study.

Etymology and form: the verb is built from the preposition läbi, meaning through, with the infinitive marker -ma. In the present tense the third-person singular form is läbib. The infinitive is läbima, the past tense is läbis, and the perfect participle is läbinud (has passed). The word is used with a direct object when referring to completing or passing something (for example, eksamit = an exam, kursuse = a course) and with a place name in the genitive when describing a physical traversal (for example linna = the town).

Usage notes: läbib is versatile and appears in both concrete and abstract contexts. With places, it conveys movement through a location. With tasks or assessments, it expresses successful completion. The nuance between physical traversal and achievement is determined by the surrounding nouns and case markings.

Examples:

- Jõgi läbib linna. (The river runs through the town.)

- Ta läbib eksami. (He passes the exam.)

- Ta läbib kursuse edukalt. (He completes the course successfully.)

See also: läbima, läbitõmbama (related terms using the same root), and the preposition läbi.