How to Pronounce Miloš Zeman

Meaning and Context

Miloš Zeman, a pivotal and often polarizing figure in modern Czech history, served as the third President of the Czech Republic from his election in 2013 until the conclusion of his second term in 2023. His presidency, following a long political career that included serving as Prime Minister from 1998 to 2002, was marked by a populist and Eurosceptic stance, significantly influencing the nation's domestic politics and foreign policy orientation. Zeman, a member of the Party of Civic Rights (SPOZ), was known for his direct, sometimes controversial rhetoric, particularly on issues like immigration, relations with Russia and China, and within the context of European Union dynamics. His tenure saw a shift towards more ceremonial presidents actively engaging in political battles, impacting Czech coalition governments and public discourse. Key milestones include his direct election by popular vote—a first for the Czech Republic—and his role during the Czech presidency which cemented his legacy as a Czech politician who profoundly shaped the post-Václav Havel era.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The name "Miloš Zeman" contains diacritical marks crucial for correct Czech orthography. The most common error, especially in English-language contexts, is the omission of the háček (ˇ) accent, resulting in misspellings like "Milos Zeman." The first name should correctly be written as "Miloš," with the 'š' representing the 'sh' sound. The surname "Zeman" does not typically carry an accent in its standard form, though confusion sometimes leads to erroneous additions like "Zemán." Other frequent typos involve transposing letters, such as "Milosh" or "Zemen," or using the Polish-style "Milosz," which is a different name altogether. When the diacritics are unavailable, the accepted transliteration is "Milos Zeman," though this is technically a compromise. Care should be taken to distinguish him from other public figures, such as the Serbian tennis player Miloš (Teodoračić), by always including the full name and context.

Example Sentences

After a narrow electoral victory, Miloš Zeman was inaugurated as President of the Czech Republic in March 2013, promising to bring a more pragmatic approach to Prague Castle.

Throughout his presidency, Zeman's vocal support for stronger economic ties with Beijing often put him at odds with the foreign ministry's more cautious stance.

Critics frequently accused Zeman of overstepping the ceremonial boundaries of his office by openly criticizing the sitting prime minister and his government's policies.

In his final year before leaving office in 2023, Zeman made a symbolic state visit to Serbia, reinforcing his long-held foreign policy preferences.

Historians note that Zeman's legacy is complex, viewed by some as a champion of direct democracy and by others as a source of deep political division within Czech society.

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