Vybíral

Vybíral is a Czech verb, the imperfective past tense form of vybírat, meaning to select, pick, or choose. It denotes the act of choosing from a set of options, often as part of a process or over a period of time. In contrast, the perfective equivalent vybrat describes a single, completed act of choosing. The prefix vy- adds a sense of selecting from among alternatives, while the root bírat is related to gathering or picking.

Usage and examples have a wide range in everyday Czech. For instance, one might say: On vybíral z deseti návrhů (He was selecting from ten proposals). Vybírala si dárky pro rodinu (She was choosing gifts for the family). In formal contexts, vybírat can refer to selecting candidates, items, or options during planning, evaluation, or procurement processes.

Grammatical note: vybírat is imperfective, so vybíral appears in the masculine singular past tense form, with other gender and plural forms used for different subjects. The present tense form is vybírá, and the corresponding perfective form is vybrat, which is used for a completed selection.

Related terms include vybírání (the process of selecting) and vybrat (the established perfective alternative meaning “to choose” or “to pick” a single time). The distinction between vybírat and vybrat is a common feature of Czech aspect, guiding how actions are described with respect to duration and completion.

See also: vybrat.

Note: This article treats vybíral as the past tense form of the verb vybírat; for grammatical completeness, consult Czech verb conjugation charts for full paradigm forms.