põiki

Põiki is an Estonian word that translates to "sideways" or "obliquely" in English. It describes a direction or orientation that is not directly forward, backward, or straight up and down. For instance, one might walk põiki across a field, meaning they are not following a straight path but rather moving diagonally. Similarly, a piece of wood might be cut or placed põiki, indicating it is oriented across another object or surface.

The term can be used in various contexts. In everyday language, it refers to a movement or position that deviates from the usual or expected straight line. For example, a car might be parked põiki, obstructing traffic. In a more figurative sense, põiki can describe an indirect approach or a roundabout way of doing something. Someone might offer a põiki explanation, meaning it is not straightforward but rather hints at the matter without stating it directly.

The word põiki is an adverb and can also function as an adjective depending on the sentence structure. Its usage emphasizes a departure from the perpendicular or parallel, suggesting a diagonal, slanted, or crosswise placement or movement. Understanding põiki helps in grasping nuances of direction and spatial relationships in the Estonian language.