H2505 חָלַק châlaq → Root

12 languages

Root of the חלק family (17 members).

To divide, distribute, or apportion something (especially land, possessions, or inheritance); to make a separation; in extended use, to share with, assign, or allot. In a less common and derived sense, to use smooth speech, flatter, or speak with duplicity (from the figurative sense of 'being smooth'). The word can thus refer both to practical acts of allocation and to insincere, smooth words.

Etymology From the root חלק, which fundamentally denotes 'to be smooth' (literally referring to a polished or slippery surface). This physical sense gives rise metaphorically to the idea of smooth or slippery behavior (flattery, duplicity) and, by extension, to the decisive act of dividing or allocating (as smooth stones were used for casting lots in apportioning divisions). The verb's primary lexical meaning is derived from the act of dividing or allocating, but also carries secondary connotations of smoothness or flattery.
Language Word Meaning Segmentation Root
Bemba gaba to distribute, to share out -gab-/-gaw-
Chewa/Chichewa gawa to share, to distribute, to divide -gawa
Ganda (Luganda) gaba to divide, distribute, give out -gab-
Kikuyu gawa to divide, to share -gawa
Kinyarwanda gaba to give out, distribute, apportion -gab-/-gaw-
Kirundi gaba to distribute, to apportion, share -gab-/-gaw-
Lozi gaba to give, distribute, apportion -gab-/-gaw-
Luganda gaba to give out, distribute, apportion -gab-/-gaw-
Shona gova to apportion, to share, divide -gov-/-gaw-
Soga gaba to give out, distribute -gab-
Swahili gawa to divide, apportion, share out gaw-
Tonga (Zambia) gaba to divide, share out, distribute -gab-/-gaw-

Family members (17)

Lexemes that inherit from this canonical via the SilexRoot family or an additional inheritance edge. Tags show the cognate-propagation status.

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