Pokrýva

Pokrýva is a verb form used in Czech and Slovak to indicate the action of covering. In Czech, pokrývá is the 3rd person singular present tense of the imperfective verb pokrývat. In Slovak, pokrýva is the corresponding form of pokrývať. Both forms share the meaning of applying a layer to a surface, concealing what lies beneath or spreading over an area.

Etymology: the word comes from a Slavic root kry- meaning to cover or hide, with a prefix that adds a sense of distribution or completion. Related forms include kryt (cover, shelter) and kryť (to cover).

Usage: pokrýva is used for literal coverings such as paint, snow, or fog, for example “Hmla pokrýva mesto” (Fog covers the city) or “Stenu pokrýva nový náter” (The wall is covered with a new coat). It can also be used metaphorically to describe information, responsibility, or influence spreading over an area. In Czech and Slovak grammars, pokrývať is the imperfective form; its perfective counterparts pokrýt (Czech) or pokryť (Slovak) are used for completed actions and are often expressed in the future tense.

Spelling and diacritics differ between the languages: Czech uses pokrývá, while Slovak uses pokrýva. The related noun kryt and the verb kryť are closely linked in meaning.