Opírají

Opírají is a Czech verb form that serves as the third-person plural present tense of the verb opírat se (to lean on, to rely on). When used with the reflexive se, the construction refers to the subject leaning physically or figuratively against something. In many contexts it is followed by the preposition o to indicate the thing being leaned on or relied upon, producing phrases such as opírají se o zeď (they lean on the wall) or opírají se o své zkušenosti (they rely on their experiences).

Meaning and usage

The literal sense covers physical support, as in leaning against a wall or another surface. The figurative sense describes dependence or basis for an argument, plan, or belief—“relying on” or “grounded in” something. The same form opírají se can thus express both concrete and abstract reliance, depending on the context and the object introduced by o.

Grammar and related forms

Opírají se is the present indicative form for they. The corresponding non-reflexive transitive form opírat se can sometimes appear without se in different constructions (opírají without se would typically govern a direct object in a transitive use). Related forms include opřít se (to lean against decisively or to rely on), opírání (the act of leaning or relying), and opřený (leaned, rested).

See also

opírat se, opřít se, opírání, opřený

Notes

Opírají is commonly used in everyday Czech in both literal and figurative contexts and is a standard example of a reflexive verb with a prepositional complement.