opatrní

Opatrné is a Czech adjective meaning careful, cautious, or prudent. It is used to describe people, actions, or things where consideration for risk or safety is important. In everyday language it often collocates with nouns such as zacházení (handling), chování (behavior), or odhad (estimate). For example, opatrné zacházení s chemikáliemi describes careful handling of chemicals, and opatrné chování may refer to prudent behavior in a risky situation. The adverbial form opatrně expresses the manner of action: to act opatrně is to act cautiously or carefully.

In grammar, opatrné is the neuter singular form of the adjective opatrný and is also used in certain feminine plural constructions. The full set of inflected forms covers the masculine singular opatrný, the feminine singular opatrná, and other numbers and genders such as masculine plural opatrní and feminine plural opatrné, depending on the noun it modifies. The core meaning centers on risk awareness, safety, and prudent decision-making, rather than stubborn hesitation.

Related terms include opatrnost, a noun meaning caution or prudence, and the related adverb opatrně. The word’s usage is common in safety guidelines, medical instructions, and everyday speech when emphasizing carefulness in handling tasks, objects, or situations.