chovávat

Chovávat is a Czech verb. It is the imperfective aspect of the verb chovat. In its most common usage, chovávat means "to raise" or "to keep" as pets or livestock. This can refer to animals like dogs, cats, chickens, or cattle. For example, someone might say "Ráda chovává psy" which translates to "She likes to keep dogs."

Another meaning of chovávat relates to caring for or nurturing something, often in a protective or indulgent way. This can extend to taking care of children, for instance, "Maminka chová miminko" meaning "Mommy is rocking the baby." It can also imply spoiling someone, such as "On ji pořád chovává" which means "He always spoils her."

The verb chovávat implies a continuous or habitual action. Unlike its perfective counterpart, which would suggest a single completed act of raising or keeping, chovávat emphasizes the ongoing process. This can also extend to abstract concepts, like "chovávat vzpomínku," meaning "to cherish a memory." The specific nuance of the verb depends heavily on the context in which it is used.