diff --git a/.config/kak/autoload/filetype/latex.kak b/.config/kak/autoload/filetype/latex.kak
index af196c55..90cd44f2 100644
--- a/.config/kak/autoload/filetype/latex.kak
+++ b/.config/kak/autoload/filetype/latex.kak
@@ -1,3 +1,11 @@
+# wrap selection in \emph{...}
+define-command -params 1 latex-surround-add %~
+    execute-keys -draft 'i\emph{<esc>a}'
+~
+define-command -params 1 latex-surround-remove %~
+    execute-keys -save-regs '"' -draft '<a-a>{<a-S>d<a-/>\\emph<ret>d'
+~
+
 hook global WinSetOption filetype=latex %{
 	set-option window formatcmd "tex-fmt --stdin"
 	set-option window autowrap_fmtcmd 'tex-fmt --stdin -l %c'