zvládnout

Zvládnout is a Czech verb meaning to manage, cope with, master, or accomplish something. It denotes the successful completion of a task or the ability to handle a difficult situation. The form is perfective, highlighting that the action is viewed as completed. Its imperfective counterpart is zvládat (present) or zvládal (past), used to describe ongoing or repeated ability.

Usage: It is used in contexts such as passing an exam, finishing a task, meeting a deadline, or managing daily life under pressure. It can express both personal capability and external challenges. Common constructions include zvládnout zkoušku (to pass the exam) or zvládnout program (to manage a demanding schedule).

Conjugation: In present tense (which expresses future meaning for perfective verbs), forms are: já zvládnu, ty zvládneš, on zvládne, my zvládneme, vy zvládnete, oni zvládnou. Past tense has gendered forms: zvládl (masc), zvládla (fem), zvládlo (neut); zvládli (m), zvládly (f). Imperative: zvládni (informal), zvládněte (formal).

Etymology and related forms: "zvládnout" is formed with the prefix z- added to the verb vládnout, which originally conveys ruling or governing. The noun form is zvládnutí, referring to the act of mastering or overcoming. Related verbs include zvládat (imperfective) and ovládnout as a near synonym in some contexts.

Examples: Zvládla jsem zkoušku s vyznamenáním. Musíme zvládnout tento projekt do konce týdne. Zvládnu to. Zvládáme náročný program, ale postupně to zvládneme.