Zkousovat

Zkousovat is a Czech verb meaning to try out, to test, or to sample something, as well as to attempt or to probe a possibility. It is used for activities aimed at assessing qualities, exploring options, or practicing a skill. The action is typically ongoing or repeated, rather than completed in a single moment.

Usage and nuances:

The verb covers testing equipment or procedures, experimenting with ideas, or attempting tasks. With the reflexive si, it can express personal testing or trying something on oneself, for example when trying on clothes or tasting food: zkouset si oblečení, zkouset si jídlo. In many contexts, more precise alternatives are used: vyzkoušet for a thorough or final test, or zkousnout in senses such as taking a bite or sampling something quickly. The choice between zkousovat and its synonyms depends on nuance and regional usage.

Etymology and related forms:

Zkousovat derives from the Czech noun zkouška (test, trial) and the related verb stem zkouš-. It belongs to the same semantic field as zkoušet (to test) and vyzkoušet (to try out or test thoroughly).

Conjugation and aspect:

Zkousovat is an imperfective verb, used for iterative or ongoing actions. Present tense forms include já zkoušu, ty zkoušíš, on zkouší, my zkoušíme, vy zkoušíte, oni zkoušejí. The imperfective nature contrasts with perfective counterparts such as zkousit or vyzkouset, which express a single, completed instance of testing or trying.

Examples:

Zkouším nové boty. V laboratoři zkoušeli nový materiál. Chceme zkoušet různé postupy a vyhodnotit výsledky.