zametání

Zametání (Czech for "sweeping") is a common term for the action of removing dirt, dust and debris from floors, pavements or other surfaces using tools such as brooms, brushes or mechanical sweepers. As a household chore and basic form of sanitation, zametání reduces particulate matter, prevents accumulation of refuse and is a preparatory step for wet cleaning or floor treatment. The verb form is zametat; zametání is the noun denoting the activity or process.

In practical and professional contexts, zametání ranges from manual sweeping with natural- or synthetic-fiber brooms to mechanized sweeping in street maintenance and industrial settings. Techniques vary by surface type and desired cleanliness, and often include sweeping patterns, dust control measures and waste collection. Proper zametání contributes to hygiene, safety (by removing slip or trip hazards) and aesthetic upkeep.

Beyond its literal sense, zametání appears in cultural practices and idioms across Central and Eastern Europe. In some folk traditions and household rituals, symbolic sweeping is performed during ceremonies such as weddings or housewarmings to signify the removal of bad luck or the start of a new household order. Linguistically, expressions derived from the verb are used metaphorically to describe concealing problems (for example, "sweeping something under the carpet") or taking decisive action to clear obstacles.

As a quotidian activity and cultural motif, zametání spans practical sanitation, workplace maintenance and symbolic meaning in language and ritual.