Questions & Answers about Kralj želi opkoliti njihovu utvrdu.
Why does opkoliti start with op- if the prefix for encompassing is o- or ob-?
The prefix here is actually ob- (meaning "around"). When added to a root starting with the voiceless consonant k, the voiced b changes to the voiceless p to make pronunciation easier. This sound change (voicing assimilation) turns ob-koliti into opkoliti.
How does the root of opkoliti relate to the lesson's theme of "circular motion"?
The root is connected to the word kolo, which means "circle" or "wheel". Combined with the encompassing prefix ob-, the verb literally means "to put a circle around" something. In a military context like this sentence, drawing a circle around a fort means to besiege or surround it.
Why is the phrase njihovu utvrdu instead of the dictionary form njihova utvrda?
The verb phrase želi opkoliti (wants to besiege) requires a direct object, which must take the accusative case. Since utvrda (fort/fortress) is a feminine noun ending in -a, both the noun and its possessive pronoun njihova (their) change their endings to -u.
Since opkoliti means to successfully surround the fort, what verb would we use for the ongoing process of besieging it?