úder

Úder is a noun in Czech and Slovak meaning a blow, strike, or hit. It can refer to a physical act of contact, such as a punch or a blow to an object, as well as to the resulting impact or effect of an action or event. In addition to its literal sense, úder is used figuratively to describe influence, surprise, or a sudden change, for example in phrases describing an economic or political shock.

In sports and combat contexts, úder denotes a strike delivered by a body part or an implement. Common collocations include descriptions of strength or precision, such as a strong úder or a well-timed úder. The expression dáť úder means to deliver a blow, while dostat úder means to receive one. The term also appears in broader everyday language to convey the idea of a decisive or forceful effect, such as an úder na veřejnost (impact on the public).

Etymology and cognates: Úder derives from Proto-Slavic *uderъ and has cognates in other Slavic languages, including Russian удар (udar). Similar terms appear in Slovak, Polish, and other Slavic languages, reflecting the common root for the concept of a strike or impact.

Usage notes: Úder is a masculine noun used in both literal and figurative contexts. It is typically pluralized as údery in standard Czech and Slovak, with inflections varying by dialect and grammatical case. The word is common in sports commentary, martial arts discourse, and descriptions of events that impart a noticeable effect or force.