Passing Phrase - www.learnhebrew.org.il

Delpaik

Literally and idiomatically: Counter

A delpaik is a small table that is usually narrow and can be used to spread out something for show, like books or food. It can also be used by a clerk in a bank or office, for separating the clerk from the public. The word can be found in the Talmud (Kelayim 23a) but it is borrowed from the Greek "Delphik." According to Even Shoshan (the dictionary) the tables in Delphi were long and narrow. It may have been designed to look a bit like – you guessed it – a dolphin. The Homeric Hymn to Pythian Apollo describes the founding of Delphi in which Apollo turned himself into a dolphin, leading them to the site.

A modern usage would be:

דלפק קבלה הוא אחד מפריטי הריהוט הבולטים ביותר בכל עסק.

"Delpaik kabbalah hu achad mei'pritai rehut she'boltim beyoter bechol eisek."

A reception desk is one of the most prominent pieces of furniture in any business.


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