Kopást

Kopást is a verb found in several Slavic languages, used to denote the action of kicking with the foot. In standard Czech and Slovak, the action is usually expressed with kopat or kopnout, while kopást may appear in dialectal or older textual forms as a historical or regional variant of those standard verbs. The exact sense of kopást can vary by language and dialect, but the core idea is generally related to striking with the foot.

Usage is typically transitive, taking a direct object. In contemporary Czech, for example, kick-related senses often appear with phrases like kopat míčem (to kick the ball). In Slovak, one may encounter forms such as kopnúť do lopty or similar constructions for a single kick. In informal speech,kopást can also occur in broader phrases that imply kicking someone or kicking at something, depending on the dialect and register. The distinction between iterative kicking (to repeatedly kick) and a single kick is usually expressed by related verb forms such as kopat vs. kopnout in the surrounding language.

Etymology and cognates: The root kop- is common across Slavic languages and is connected with the broader family’s vocabulary around striking with the foot. In some languages, related roots have evolved to different senses, such as Polish kopać meaning to dig, illustrating semantic drift within the family.

Variations: The precise form, frequency, and connotations of kopást depend on language and regional usage. In many modern varieties, kopást is seen as a dialectal or historical variant rather than a standard contemporary form.

See also: kopat, kopnout, kopnúť.