Obalit

Obalit is a Czech verb meaning to wrap, coat, or cover something with an outer layer. It is transitive and used for actions such as wrapping a package, coating a surface, or enclosing an object with material. The related noun obal means wrapper or packaging.

Etymology and forms: Obalit derives from the noun obal (wrapper, packaging) with the verb-forming suffix -it. The imperfective counterpart is obalovat, used for processes or repeated wrapping, while obalit denotes a single, completed action. The past participle is obalený (wrapped). This distinction mirrors Czech aspect patterns, where obalit emphasizes a completed coating or wrapping and obalovat emphasizes the ongoing or customary process.

Usage notes: Obalit can describe applying a layer around an object, such as wrapping it with foil, paper, or plastic, or coating a surface with a substance. It is commonly found in packaging, food preparation, manufacturing, and construction contexts. In some cases, zabalit is used for gift-wrapping, while obalit emphasizes the outer coating or enclosure around an object.

Examples:

- Potřebujeme obalit zboží fólií. (We need to wrap the goods with foil.)

- Dort byl obalen čokoládovou polevou. (The cake was coated with chocolate glaze.)

- V průmyslu se zboží často obaluje do plastových obalů. (In industry, goods are often wrapped in plastic packaging.)

See also: obal (wrapper, packaging) and zabalit (to wrap, to package).

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