Otírání

Otírání is a Czech verb that translates to wiping or rubbing in English. It describes the action of cleaning or drying a surface by moving a cloth or other material across it. This can be done with varying degrees of pressure and motion depending on the purpose.

The act of otírání can be performed for a multitude of reasons. It is commonly used for cleaning, such as wiping a table after a meal, cleaning windows, or drying dishes. In a hygiene context, it refers to drying oneself after washing, for example, otírání rukou (wiping hands) or otírání těla (wiping the body).

The term can also imply a more vigorous rubbing motion. For instance, otírání prachu (dusting) involves rubbing to remove dust particles. In some contexts, it can suggest polishing, such as otírání bot (polishing shoes). The object used for otírání is typically referred to as a utěrka (cloth) or hadr (rag). The specific nuance of the action is often conveyed by context or by adding adverbs. For example, jemně otírat means to wipe gently, while důkladně otírat means to wipe thoroughly.