Spoléhat

Spoléhat is a Czech verb meaning to rely on, to count on, or to depend on something or someone. It is an imperfective verb, typically used with the preposition na to indicate the source of the reliance. The corresponding perfective form is spolehnout se (na), used when referring to a completed act of relying. A common reflexive variant is spoléhat se, which emphasizes the act of relying, often in relation to oneself or to other people.

Usage and nuance: Spoléhat expresses a belief in the reliability or predictability of a person, plan, source, or circumstance. It implies some degree of trust or expectation that things will turn out as hoped, though it does not guarantee outcomes. The verb is widely used in everyday speech as well as in formal writing, for example in discussions of plans, forecasts, safety, and decision making.

Grammatical notes: With na, the object of reliance is typically a noun phrase, such as na své zkušenosti (on one’s own experience) or na správnost informací (the correctness of the information). The imperfective form is used for general or repeated reliance, while the perfective spolehnout se na is used when referring to a specific, completed act of relying. Expressions with se often convey a more personal or reflexive sense.

Examples:

- Můžeš se na mě spolehnout. (You can rely on me.)

- V krizových situacích se důvěřuje spoléhat se na své dovednosti. (In crises, people tend to rely on their skills.)

- Spoléhat se na fakta bez ověřování není vždy rozumné. (Relying on facts without verification isn’t always wise.)

See also: spolehnout se (perfective counterpart) for a related nuance involving a completed act of relying.

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