lükkama

Lükkama is an Estonian verb meaning to push or shove. It denotes applying force to move something away from oneself or forward. The action can be physical, such as pushing a door, a piece of furniture, or another person, and it can be used metaphorically to describe advancing a plan, delaying a date, or propelling activities forward.

Etymology and related forms: Lükkama is formed from the noun lükk, which means a push or shove, with the infinitive suffix -ma. Related nouns include lükk (a push) and lükkamine (the act of pushing or a shove). The verb belongs to the common Estonian -da/-ma verb family and follows standard conjugation patterns for -ama verbs, though specific endings depend on person and tense.

Usage notes: The verb is typically used when the push is the direct means of movement, often with a concrete object such as a door, chair, or person. It can also appear in figurative expressions, for example to describe pushing a plan, project, or date forward or backward depending on context. In many contexts, lükka can carry a forceful connotation, so it is sometimes replaced by milder terms like tõukama (to push gently or to nudge) when a softer nuance is intended.

Examples:

- Ta lükkas ukse kinni. (He pushed the door shut.)

- Me lükkasime plaani edasi. (We pushed the plan forward / postponed it to a later point, depending on context.)

- Ta lükkas ta eemale. (He pushed him away.)

See also: lükke (a push), lükkamine (pushing, the act), tõukama (to push or shove with a nuance of gentler contact).