Dohlédnout

Dohlédnout is a Czech verb that expresses the idea of making sure something is looked after or completed. It is a perfective verb, indicating that the action is finished or achieved, and it is commonly used to describe ensuring standards, safety, or the proper execution of tasks. The form is typically used with the preposition na followed by a noun in the accusative (dohlédnout na někoho nebo na něco).

Usage and meaning

Dohlédnout can mean to supervise, to oversee, or to ensure that something happens as planned. It often implies taking responsibility to oversee the process and to intervene if necessary. It contrasts with the imperfective form dohližet, which describes the ongoing action of watching or supervising without focus on completion. Examples: Dohlédl na děti na hřišti. Musíme dohlédnout na to, aby projekt proběhl podle plánu. Udělal vše, co bylo třeba, aby dohlédl na kvalitu práce.

Constructions and grammar

The verb is used with na + accusative to indicate the object of supervision (dohlédnout na někoho/na něco). It also appears in contexts where one ensures a result, often followed by clauses or infinitives such as "aby" to express ensuring that something occurs: Dohlédnu, aby se to stalo včas. Its past forms are dohlédl/dohlédla/dohlédlo, depending on gender; present forms align with standard conjugation of perfective verbs.

Related terms

Related verbs include dohližet (imperfective), dohlídka (watching, supervision), and dohlédnutí (the act of ensuring or oversight). The prefix do- signals completion or reaching a conclusion of the action.

Etymology

Dohlédnout is built from the prefix do- attached to hledět or related forms meaning to look; the combination conveys the idea of looking after with an emphasis on ensuring a result.

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