Language/Czech/Grammar/How-to-Use-"Být"-(to-Be)

Lesson: Czech Grammar: How to Use "Být"

Objective: To learn the basics of the verb "být" in Czech and how to use it in sentences.

Introduction

"Být" is one of the most important verbs in the Czech language. It means "to be" and is used to describe a state or condition. In this lesson, we will go over the different forms of "být" and how to use it in sentences.

Conjugation of "Být"

The verb "být" is conjugated in the present tense as follows:

• Já jsem (I am)
• Ty jsi (You are)
• On/ona/ono je (He/she/it is)
• My jsme (We are)
• Vy jste (You are)
• Oni/ony/ona jsou (They are)

Note: The past tense of "být" is formed by adding the past tense ending "-l(-la,-lo,-li)" to the present tense form of the verb.

Usage of "Být"

To describe a state or condition

Example:

• Jsem šťastný (I am happy)
• Ona je unavená (She is tired)

To describe nationality or occupation

Example:

• Jsem Čech (I am Czech)
• On je lékař (He is a doctor)

To describe the location of something or someone

Example:

• Kniha je na stole (The book is on the table)
• On je v práci (He is at work)

To describe the possession of something

Example:

• Toto je můj dům (This is my house)
• Ty jsi moje kamarádka (You are my friend)

Conclusion

The verb "být" is an essential verb in the Czech language and is used in a variety of different ways to describe states, conditions, nationality, occupation, location, and possession. By practicing the conjugation and usage of "být", you will be able to communicate effectively in Czech.