Pojmout

Pojmout is a Czech verb meaning to grasp, seize, or capture, as well as to conceive or understand something conceptually. It covers both physical capturing (for example, catching a thief) and mental grasp (such as understanding a problem or conceiving an idea). The action is typically presented as a completed act, since pojmout is a perfective verb; in narrative, future forms are used to express what will be grasped (pojmou), while past forms (pojal, pojala, pošlo) describe what was grasped.

Etymology and usage notes: Pojmout is formed with the prefix po- added to the root jmout, a historic verb meaning to take or seize. Over time its meaning broadened from a literal grabbing to metaphorical grasping of concepts, plans, or intentions. The verb often appears with various complements, including nouns and noun phrases, to convey the scope of grasping or conceiving.

Common meanings and collocations: Pojmout zloděje (to seize a thief), pojmout problém (to grasp a problem), pojmout myšlenku (to conceive an idea), and pojmout si čas (to take one’s time). It is also used with terms like pojmout záměr (to conceive a plan) or pojmout námitku (to grasp an objection). In contrast to pochopit, which emphasizes full understanding, pojmout stresses the act of grasping or conceiving, including planning or recognizing something for the first time.

See also: pochopit, chápat, rozumět, zachytit.