amatér

Amatér is a term used in Czech and Slovak to describe a person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than as a paid occupation. It denotes someone who participates out of interest or passion rather than as part of a professional career. The word can refer to hobbyists, enthusiasts, or participants who may have some training, but do not rely on the activity as their primary source of income. The exact connotations can vary by context and tone, from neutral to occasionally pejorative when skill or commitment is questioned.

Etymology and linguistic notes: the word originates from the French amateur, which itself comes from Latin amator meaning “lover” of something, from amare “to love.” The term spread through European languages in the modern period to describe non-professional practitioners in various fields. In Czech and Slovak usage, amatér is widely used across domains such as sport, science, art, and culture; adjectives derived from it, like amatérský or amatérske, describe activities performed by amateurs.

Common domains and examples: amatérská fotografie (amateur photography), amatérský sport (non-professional sport), amatérske divadlo or amatérske filmovanie (amateur theater or amateur filming). In many contexts, the amateur label is neutral and can reflect enthusiasm, curiosity, or a deliberate choice to emphasize enjoyment over remuneration. In others, it may imply limited formal training or lower technical standards relative to professionals, though this valuation depends on the situation and community norms.

See also: amateurism as a concept, amateur science or citizen science, and related terms describing non-professional participation in arts, sports, and scholarly activities.