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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Czech|Czech]]  → [[Language/Czech/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Czech/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Verbs → Introduction to Verbs</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Czech|Czech]]  → [[Language/Czech/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Czech/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Introduction to Verbs</div>


__TOC__
Welcome to the exciting world of Czech verbs! In this lesson, we will embark on a journey to understand one of the fundamental elements of the Czech language: verbs. As you may know, verbs are the action words that breathe life into sentences. They allow us to express what we do, what happens, and how things change. Understanding verbs is crucial for building your Czech skills, as they are the backbone of communication.
 
In this lesson, we will cover the following key points:
 
* '''What is a verb?'''
 
* '''Types of verbs in Czech'''
 
* '''Basic verb conjugation'''
 
* '''Conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense'''
 
* '''Common irregular verbs'''


In this lesson, we will dive into the fascinating world of Czech verbs. Verbs are an essential part of any language, as they allow us to express actions, states, and events. Understanding how to conjugate verbs is crucial for building sentences and communicating effectively in Czech. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Czech verb conjugation and be able to use verbs in various tenses and forms.
* '''Practical examples and practice exercises'''


== Importance of Verbs in Czech ==
By the end of this lesson, you should feel comfortable identifying and using basic Czech verbs. So, let’s get started!


Verbs play a vital role in the Czech language. They allow us to convey actions, describe events, express states of being, and much more. Without verbs, our sentences would be incomplete and lacking in meaning. By learning how to conjugate verbs correctly, you will be able to communicate your thoughts, feelings, and experiences more precisely and accurately.
__TOC__


Understanding verbs is especially crucial for beginners, as it sets the groundwork for further language learning. Once you grasp the fundamentals of verb conjugation, you can start building more complex sentences and expanding your vocabulary. Verbs are the backbone of sentence structure, and mastering them will significantly enhance your overall language skills.
== What is a Verb? ==


== Structure of the Lesson ==
Verbs are words that describe actions, occurrences, or states of being. In Czech, as in English, verbs are essential for forming sentences. They provide the action in a sentence, and without them, it's like trying to build a house without a foundation.


This lesson will be divided into several sections, each covering an essential aspect of Czech verbs. We will start with an overview of verb basics, including definitions and verb types. Next, we will explore verb conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses. Throughout the lesson, we will provide numerous examples and exercises to help reinforce your understanding.
For example, in the sentence '''"I eat an apple"''':


In addition, we will delve into the cultural aspects of verb usage in Czech. We will discuss any regional variations in verb usage and explore the historical reasons behind these differences. Along the way, we will share interesting cultural facts and anecdotes related to verbs, giving you a deeper appreciation for the language and its speakers.
* "Eat" is the verb that tells us what action is happening.


To ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience, we have included exercises and practice scenarios for you to apply what you've learned. These exercises will test your understanding of verb conjugation and provide solutions and explanations to help you improve.
In Czech, this would be '''"Jím jablko"''', where '''"Jím"''' (I eat) is the verb.  


Now, let's embark on our journey into the world of Czech verbs!
Verbs can change form depending on who is performing the action (the subject) and when the action is taking place (tense). We will explore how conjugation works in Czech, which is a bit different from English.


== Verb Basics ==
== Types of Verbs in Czech ==


Before we dive into the intricacies of verb conjugation, let's start with the basics.
Czech verbs can be divided into several categories, but for beginners, the most important distinctions are as follows:


=== Definition of Verbs ===
=== Regular and Irregular Verbs ===


Verbs are words that express actions, occurrences, or states of being. They are the core component of a sentence and determine its overall meaning. In Czech, verbs are highly inflected, meaning they change their forms to indicate tense, aspect, mood, and person.
* '''Regular Verbs''': These verbs follow a predictable pattern when conjugated.


=== Types of Verbs ===
* '''Irregular Verbs''': These verbs do not follow standard conjugation rules and must be memorized.


In Czech, there are three main verb types:
=== Transitive and Intransitive Verbs ===


1. Regular Verbs: These verbs follow predictable patterns of conjugation based on their infinitive endings. They can be further classified into several subclasses based on their conjugation patterns.
* '''Transitive Verbs''': These verbs require a direct object (e.g., "I read a book").


2. Irregular Verbs: These verbs do not follow the regular patterns of conjugation and must be learned individually. Irregular verbs often undergo stem changes or have unique conjugation forms.
* '''Intransitive Verbs''': These verbs do not require a direct object (e.g., "I sleep").


3. Impersonal Verbs: These verbs lack a specific subject and are used to express general statements or impersonal actions. They are conjugated in the third person singular form.
== Basic Verb Conjugation ==


Now that we have a basic understanding of verbs, let's move on to verb conjugation in different tenses.
In Czech, verbs change form based on the subject pronoun (I, you, he/she/it, we, you plural, they). This change is called '''conjugation'''.  


== Present Tense ==
=== Conjugation Patterns ===


The present tense is used to talk about actions happening now or in the near future. In Czech, verb conjugation in the present tense depends on the person, number, and verb type. Let's take a look at how regular and irregular verbs are conjugated in the present tense.
Czech verbs typically follow two main conjugation patterns, based on their infinitive endings: '''-at, -it, -et'''.  


=== Regular Verbs in the Present Tense ===
=== Conjugation of Regular Verbs ===


Regular verbs in the present tense follow specific conjugation patterns based on their infinitive endings. Let's take the verb "číst" (to read) as an example:
Let’s take a look at how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. We will focus on the verb '''"mít"''' (to have) as an example.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| čtu || /tʃtu/ || I read
 
| já mám || jaː ma:m || I have
 
|-
|-
| čteš || /tʃtɛʃ/ || You read (informal)
 
| ty máš || tiː ma:ʃ || you (informal) have
 
|-
|-
| čte || /tʃtɛ/ || He/she/it reads
 
| on/ona/ono má || on/ona/ono ma: || he/she/it has
 
|-
|-
| čteme || /tʃtɛmɛ/ || We read
 
| my máme || miː ma:mɛ || we have
 
|-
|-
| čtete || /tʃtɛtɛ/ || You read (formal or plural)
 
| vy máte || viː ma:tɛ || you (formal/plural) have
 
|-
|-
| čtou || /tʃtou/ || They read
|}


As you can see, the verb "číst" follows the regular pattern for verbs ending in "-íst" in the present tense. The verb stem remains the same, and the endings change according to the person and number. By memorizing the conjugation patterns for different verb types, you will be able to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense with ease.
| oni/ony mají || o:ni/o:ny ma:ju || they have


=== Irregular Verbs in the Present Tense ===
|}


Irregular verbs in the present tense do not follow the regular conjugation patterns and must be learned individually. Let's take the verb "být" (to be) as an example:
Now, let's take the verb '''"hrát"''' (to play), which is a regular verb ending in '''-at'''.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| jsem || /jɛm/ || I am
 
| já hraju || jaː hraju || I play
 
|-
|-
| jsi || /jsi/ || You are (informal)
 
| ty hraješ || tiː hrajeʃ || you (informal) play
 
|-
|-
| je || /jɛ/ || He/she/it is
 
| on/ona/ono hraje || on/ona/ono hraje || he/she/it plays
 
|-
|-
| jsme || /jsmɛ/ || We are
 
| my hrajeme || miː hraje:mɛ || we play
 
|-
|-
| jste || /jstɛ/ || You are (formal or plural)
 
| vy hrajete || viː hraje:tɛ || you (formal/plural) play
 
|-
|-
| jsou || /jsou/ || They are
 
| oni/ony hrají || o:ni/o:ny hraji || they play
 
|}
|}


As you can see, the verb "být" has unique conjugation forms that do not follow a specific pattern. It is essential to memorize the conjugation of irregular verbs to use them correctly in the present tense.
=== Common Irregular Verbs ===


== Past Tense ==
Now, let’s look at some common irregular verbs that you will encounter. These verbs do not follow the standard conjugation patterns and require special attention.


The past tense is used to talk about actions or events that have already happened. In Czech, verb conjugation in the past tense depends on the verb type and gender of the subject. Let's explore how regular and irregular verbs are conjugated in the past tense.
* '''Být''' (to be)


=== Regular Verbs in the Past Tense ===
* '''Jít''' (to go)


Regular verbs in the past tense follow a specific conjugation pattern based on their infinitive endings. Let's take the verb "psát" (to write) as an example:
* '''Mít''' (to have)
 
Here is how "být" is conjugated in the present tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| psal || /psal/ || I wrote
 
| já jsem || jaː jsem || I am
 
|-
|-
| psala || /psala/ || She wrote
 
| ty jsi || tiː jiː || you (informal) are
 
|-
|-
| psalo || /psalo/ || It wrote
 
| on/ona/ono je || on/ona/ono jɛ || he/she/it is
 
|-
|-
| psali || /psali/ || They wrote
|}


As you can see, the verb "psát" follows the regular pattern for verbs ending in "-át" in the past tense. The verb stem remains the same, and the endings change according to the gender and number of the subject. By familiarizing yourself with the conjugation patterns for different verb types, you will be able to conjugate regular verbs in the past tense accurately.
| my jsme || miː jsmɛ || we are


=== Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense ===
|-


Irregular verbs in the past tense do not follow the regular conjugation patterns and must be learned individually. Let's take the verb "jít" (to go) as an example:
| vy jste || viː jstɛ || you (formal/plural) are


{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| šel || /ʃɛl/ || He went
 
|-
| oni/ony jsou || o:ni/o:ny joʊ || they are
| šla || /ʃla/ || She went
 
|-
| šlo || /ʃlo/ || It went
|-
| šli || /ʃli/ || They went
|}
|}


As you can see, the verb "jít" has unique conjugation forms that do not follow a specific pattern. It is crucial to memorize the conjugation of irregular verbs to use them correctly in the past tense.
== Practical Examples ==
 
To reinforce your understanding, here are some practical examples using regular and irregular verbs in various contexts.
 
1. '''"I eat bread."''' - '''"Jím chléb."'''


== Future Tense ==
2. '''"They play football."''' - '''"Oni hrají fotbal."'''


The future tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. In Czech, verb conjugation in the future tense depends on the verb type and person. Let's explore how regular and irregular verbs are conjugated in the future tense.
3. '''"I am tired."''' - '''"Jsem unavený."'''


=== Regular Verbs in the Future Tense ===
4. '''"You go to school."''' - '''"Ty jdeš do školy."'''


Regular verbs in the future tense follow a specific conjugation pattern based on their infinitive endings. Let's take the verb "dělat" (to do) as an example:
5. '''"She has a cat."''' - '''"Ona má kočku."'''
 
6. '''"We are happy."''' - '''"My jsme šťastní."'''
 
7. '''"He reads a book."''' - '''"On čte knihu."'''
 
8. '''"I drink water."''' - '''"Piji vodu."'''
 
9. '''"You (plural) are kind."''' - '''"Vy jste laskaví."'''
 
10. '''"They are friends."''' - '''"Oni jsou přátelé."'''
 
Now let's see how these sentences can be structured to emphasize the verbs in different contexts.
 
=== More Practical Examples ===
 
To further illustrate the use of verbs, here’s a table with diverse sentences:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| budu dělat || /budu ɟɛlat/ || I will do
 
| Já píšu dopis. || jaː pi:ʃu dopis || I am writing a letter.
 
|-
|-
| budeš dělat || /budɛʃ ɟɛlat/ || You will do (informal)
 
| Ty čteš noviny. || tiː tʃtɛʃ noviny || You are reading the newspaper.
 
|-
|-
| bude dělat || /budɛ ɟɛlat/ || He/she/it will do
 
| On spí. || on spiː || He is sleeping.
 
|-
|-
| budeme dělat || /budɛmɛ ɟɛlat/ || We will do
 
| My jdeme do kina. || miː jɛdɛm do kina || We are going to the cinema.
 
|-
|-
| budete dělat || /budɛtɛ ɟɛlat/ || You will do (formal or plural)
 
| Oni hrají tenis. || o:ni hrajiː tɛnɪs || They are playing tennis.
 
|-
|-
| budou dělat || /budou ɟɛlat/ || They will do
|}


As you can see, the verb "dělat" follows the regular pattern for verbs in the future tense. The auxiliary verb "být" (to be) is used to form the future tense, and the main verb remains in the infinitive form. By understanding the conjugation patterns for different verb types, you will be able to conjugate regular verbs in the future tense correctly.
| Ona pracuje v kanceláři. || ona praʧuje v kanceláři || She works in an office.


=== Irregular Verbs in the Future Tense ===
|-


Irregular verbs in the future tense do not follow the regular conjugation patterns and must be learned individually. Let's take the verb "mít" (to have) as an example:
| Ty jsi učitel. || tiː jsi uːʧɪtɛl || You are a teacher.


{| class="wikitable"
! Czech !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| budu mít || /budu miːt/ || I will have
 
| Já chci jít ven. || jaː ʧɪ tʃɪː vɛn || I want to go outside.
 
|-
|-
| budeš mít || /budɛʃ miːt/ || You will have (informal)
 
| Vy máte skvělý nápad. || viː ma:tɛ skvɛlɪ nápad || You have a great idea.
 
|-
|-
| bude mít || /budɛ miːt/ || He/she/it will have
 
|-
| On je můj nejlepší přítel. || on jɛ muɪj nɛjlɛpʃɪ pr̩ɪtɛl || He is my best friend.
| budeme mít || /budɛmɛ miːt/ || We will have
 
|-
| budete mít || /budɛtɛ miːt/ || You will have (formal or plural)
|-
| budou mít || /budou miːt/ || They will have
|}
|}


As you can see, the verb "mít" has unique conjugation forms that do not follow a specific pattern. It is crucial to memorize the conjugation of irregular verbs to use them correctly in the future tense.
== Exercises ==
 
Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises that will help you practice what you’ve learned about Czech verbs.
 
=== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ===
 
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
 
1. Já ___ (jít) do obchodu.
 
2. Ty ___ (hrát) na kytaru.
 
3. My ___ (být) šťastní.
 
4. Oni ___ (číst) knihu.
 
5. Ona ___ (mít) psa.
 
=== Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences ===
 
Translate the following sentences from English to Czech.
 
1. I want to eat.
 
2. We are going to the park.
 
3. You (plural) have a car.
 
4. He plays basketball.
 
5. They are my friends.
 
=== Exercise 3: Verb Conjugation ===
 
Conjugate the following verbs in all pronouns (já, ty, on/ona/ono, my, vy, oni/ony) for the verb '''"mít"''' (to have) and '''"být"''' (to be).
 
=== Exercise 4: Identify the Verb ===
 
Identify the verb in the following sentences and state its form (present tense, past tense, etc.).
 
1. Já jsem učitel.
 
2. Oni hrají fotbal.
 
3. Ty jdeš do školy.
 
4. My jíme jablka.
 
5. Ona spí.
 
=== Exercise 5: Match the Sentences ===
 
Match the English sentences with their Czech translations.
 
1. I am happy.
 
2. They are playing.
 
3. She has a cat.
 
4. We are going home.
 
5. You read a book.
 
=== Exercise 6: Create Your Own Sentences ===
 
Create your own sentences using the verbs '''"být"''' and '''"mít"''' in the present tense for each pronoun.
 
=== Exercise 7: Verb Tenses ===
 
Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentences.


== Cultural Insights ==
1. Já ___ (být) unavený.


Verb usage in Czech can vary across different regions and communities. Regional dialects and historical influences have shaped the way verbs are used in different parts of the Czech Republic. For example, in Moravia, a region in the eastern part of the country, there are slight differences in verb conjugation compared to Standard Czech.
2. Ty ___ (hrát) tenis.  


Historically, the Czech language has been influenced by neighboring countries and foreign powers. The different verb forms and conjugation patterns can reflect these influences. Learning about the cultural and historical context of verb usage in Czech will not only deepen your understanding of the language but also provide insights into the rich heritage and diversity of the Czech people.
3. My ___ (mít) nové auto.  


Here's an interesting cultural fact: The Czech language has retained the dual number in verb conjugation, which means there are specific verb forms for referring to two people or objects. While the dual number is no longer used in everyday speech, it is still present in some literary works and formal contexts.
4. Oni ___ (jít) na procházku.  


== Practice Exercises ==
5. Ona ___ (číst) knihu.


Now it's time to apply what you've learned! Here are some practice exercises to test your understanding of Czech verb conjugation. Try to conjugate the given verbs in the specified tenses and forms. Solutions and explanations will be provided afterward.
=== Exercise 8: Verb Translation ===


1. Conjugate the regular verb "hrát" (to play) in the present tense for the following pronouns:
Translate the following Czech verbs into English.
  a) Já (I)
  b) Ty (You, informal)
  c) On (He)
  d) My (We)
  e) Vy (You, formal or plural)
  f) Oni (They)


2. Conjugate the irregular verb "jíst" (to eat) in the past tense for the following subjects:
1. jíst
  a) Já (I)
  b) Ona (She)
  c) Ono (It)
  d) Oni (They)


3. Conjugate the regular verb "psát" (to write) in the future tense for the following pronouns:
2. pít
  a) Já (I)
  b) Ty (You, informal)
  c) On (He)
  d) My (We)
  e) Vy (You, formal or plural)
  f) Oni (They)


Take your time and do your best. Once you've completed the exercises, compare your answers with the solutions provided below.
3. spát


== Exercise Solutions ==
4. hrát


1. Conjugation of the regular verb "hrát" (to play) in the present tense:
5. pracovat
  a) Já hraji
  b) Ty hraješ
  c) On hraje
  d) My hrajeme
  e) Vy hrajete
  f) Oni hrají


2. Conjugation of the irregular verb "jíst" (to eat) in the past tense:
=== Exercise 9: Fill in the Correct Conjugation ===
  a) Já jedl
  b) Ona jedla
  c) Ono jedlo
  d) Oni jedli


3. Conjugation of the regular verb "psát" (to write) in the future tense:
Fill in the correct conjugation of the verb '''"hrát"''' in the present tense for each pronoun.
  a) Já budu psát
  b) Ty budeš psát
  c) On bude psát
  d) My budeme psát
  e) Vy budete psát
  f) Oni budou psát


Well done! You've successfully conjugated verbs in different tenses and forms. Keep practicing to reinforce your understanding and improve your skills.
=== Exercise 10: Rewrite the Sentences ===


== Conclusion ==
Rewrite the following sentences in the present tense, changing the subject where needed.


In this lesson, we explored the basics of Czech verb conjugation. We learned about the different verb types, including regular, irregular, and impersonal verbs. We delved into verb conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses, and practiced conjugating verbs in various forms.
1. Ona čte noviny. (He)


By mastering verb conjugation, you will be able to express yourself more accurately and effectively in Czech. Verbs are a fundamental building block of the language, and understanding their forms and usage is essential for becoming a proficient speaker.
2. My jdeme do školy. (You)


Remember to continue practicing and applying what you've learned in real-life situations. As you progress in your language learning journey, you will encounter more complex verb forms and usage. Embrace the challenges and enjoy the process of becoming fluent in Czech!
3. Já mám kočku. (They)
 
4. Ty spíš. (We)
 
5. Oni hrají tenis. (She)
 
== Solutions and Explanations ==
 
Now let’s go through the solutions to the exercises for clarity and understanding.
 
=== Exercise 1 Solutions ===
 
1. jdu
 
2. hraješ
 
3. jsme
 
4. čtou
 
5. má
 
=== Exercise 2 Solutions ===
 
1. Chci jíst.
 
2. Jdeme do parku.
 
3. Máte auto.
 
4. Hraje basketbal.
 
5. Oni jsou mí přátelé.
 
=== Exercise 3 Solutions ===
 
'''"mít"''': já mám, ty máš, on/ona/ono má, my máme, vy máte, oni/ony mají
 
'''"být"''': já jsem, ty jsi, on/ona/ono je, my jsme, vy jste, oni/ony jsou
 
=== Exercise 4 Solutions ===
 
1. učitel, present tense
 
2. hrají, present tense
 
3. jdeš, present tense
 
4. jíme, present tense
 
5. spí, present tense
 
=== Exercise 5 Solutions ===
 
1 - e, 2 - d, 3 - c, 4 - a, 5 - b
 
=== Exercise 6 Solutions ===
 
(Your own sentences may vary; here are examples:)
 
1. Já jsem šťastný. 2. Ty máš knihu.
 
=== Exercise 7 Solutions ===
 
1. jsem
 
2. hraješ
 
3. máme
 
4. jdou
 
5. čte
 
=== Exercise 8 Solutions ===
 
1. to eat
 
2. to drink
 
3. to sleep
 
4. to play
 
5. to work
 
=== Exercise 9 Solutions ===
 
(Your own answers may vary; here’s an example.)
 
já hraji, ty hraješ, on hraje, my hrajeme, vy hrajete, oni hrají
 
=== Exercise 10 Solutions ===
 
1. On čte noviny.
 
2. Vy jdete do školy.
 
3. Oni mají kočku.
 
4. My spíme.
 
5. Ona hraje tenis.
 
Congratulations! You've taken a big step in your Czech language journey by learning about verbs. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to express yourself in Czech with confidence. In our next lesson, we will dive deeper into the present tense, so stay tuned!


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|description=In this lesson, you will learn the basics of Czech verbs and how to conjugate them. Explore verb conjugation in the present, past, and future tenses, and discover interesting cultural insights along the way.
 
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==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 04:05, 1 August 2024

◀️ Possessive Pronouns — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Present Tense ▶️

Czech-Language-PolyglotClub.png
Czech → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Introduction to Verbs

Welcome to the exciting world of Czech verbs! In this lesson, we will embark on a journey to understand one of the fundamental elements of the Czech language: verbs. As you may know, verbs are the action words that breathe life into sentences. They allow us to express what we do, what happens, and how things change. Understanding verbs is crucial for building your Czech skills, as they are the backbone of communication.

In this lesson, we will cover the following key points:

  • What is a verb?
  • Types of verbs in Czech
  • Basic verb conjugation
  • Conjugation of regular verbs in the present tense
  • Common irregular verbs
  • Practical examples and practice exercises

By the end of this lesson, you should feel comfortable identifying and using basic Czech verbs. So, let’s get started!

What is a Verb?[edit | edit source]

Verbs are words that describe actions, occurrences, or states of being. In Czech, as in English, verbs are essential for forming sentences. They provide the action in a sentence, and without them, it's like trying to build a house without a foundation.

For example, in the sentence "I eat an apple":

  • "Eat" is the verb that tells us what action is happening.

In Czech, this would be "Jím jablko", where "Jím" (I eat) is the verb.

Verbs can change form depending on who is performing the action (the subject) and when the action is taking place (tense). We will explore how conjugation works in Czech, which is a bit different from English.

Types of Verbs in Czech[edit | edit source]

Czech verbs can be divided into several categories, but for beginners, the most important distinctions are as follows:

Regular and Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

  • Regular Verbs: These verbs follow a predictable pattern when conjugated.
  • Irregular Verbs: These verbs do not follow standard conjugation rules and must be memorized.

Transitive and Intransitive Verbs[edit | edit source]

  • Transitive Verbs: These verbs require a direct object (e.g., "I read a book").
  • Intransitive Verbs: These verbs do not require a direct object (e.g., "I sleep").

Basic Verb Conjugation[edit | edit source]

In Czech, verbs change form based on the subject pronoun (I, you, he/she/it, we, you plural, they). This change is called conjugation.

Conjugation Patterns[edit | edit source]

Czech verbs typically follow two main conjugation patterns, based on their infinitive endings: -at, -it, -et.

Conjugation of Regular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Let’s take a look at how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense. We will focus on the verb "mít" (to have) as an example.

Czech Pronunciation English
já mám jaː ma:m I have
ty máš tiː ma:ʃ you (informal) have
on/ona/ono má on/ona/ono ma: he/she/it has
my máme miː ma:mɛ we have
vy máte viː ma:tɛ you (formal/plural) have
oni/ony mají o:ni/o:ny ma:ju they have

Now, let's take the verb "hrát" (to play), which is a regular verb ending in -at.

Czech Pronunciation English
já hraju jaː hraju I play
ty hraješ tiː hrajeʃ you (informal) play
on/ona/ono hraje on/ona/ono hraje he/she/it plays
my hrajeme miː hraje:mɛ we play
vy hrajete viː hraje:tɛ you (formal/plural) play
oni/ony hrají o:ni/o:ny hraji they play

Common Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Now, let’s look at some common irregular verbs that you will encounter. These verbs do not follow the standard conjugation patterns and require special attention.

  • Být (to be)
  • Jít (to go)
  • Mít (to have)

Here is how "být" is conjugated in the present tense:

Czech Pronunciation English
já jsem jaː jsem I am
ty jsi tiː jiː you (informal) are
on/ona/ono je on/ona/ono jɛ he/she/it is
my jsme miː jsmɛ we are
vy jste viː jstɛ you (formal/plural) are
oni/ony jsou o:ni/o:ny joʊ they are

Practical Examples[edit | edit source]

To reinforce your understanding, here are some practical examples using regular and irregular verbs in various contexts.

1. "I eat bread." - "Jím chléb."

2. "They play football." - "Oni hrají fotbal."

3. "I am tired." - "Jsem unavený."

4. "You go to school." - "Ty jdeš do školy."

5. "She has a cat." - "Ona má kočku."

6. "We are happy." - "My jsme šťastní."

7. "He reads a book." - "On čte knihu."

8. "I drink water." - "Piji vodu."

9. "You (plural) are kind." - "Vy jste laskaví."

10. "They are friends." - "Oni jsou přátelé."

Now let's see how these sentences can be structured to emphasize the verbs in different contexts.

More Practical Examples[edit | edit source]

To further illustrate the use of verbs, here’s a table with diverse sentences:

Czech Pronunciation English
Já píšu dopis. jaː pi:ʃu dopis I am writing a letter.
Ty čteš noviny. tiː tʃtɛʃ noviny You are reading the newspaper.
On spí. on spiː He is sleeping.
My jdeme do kina. miː jɛdɛm do kina We are going to the cinema.
Oni hrají tenis. o:ni hrajiː tɛnɪs They are playing tennis.
Ona pracuje v kanceláři. ona praʧuje v kanceláři She works in an office.
Ty jsi učitel. tiː jsi uːʧɪtɛl You are a teacher.
Já chci jít ven. jaː ʧɪ tʃɪː vɛn I want to go outside.
Vy máte skvělý nápad. viː ma:tɛ skvɛlɪ nápad You have a great idea.
On je můj nejlepší přítel. on jɛ muɪj nɛjlɛpʃɪ pr̩ɪtɛl He is my best friend.

Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises that will help you practice what you’ve learned about Czech verbs.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. Já ___ (jít) do obchodu.

2. Ty ___ (hrát) na kytaru.

3. My ___ (být) šťastní.

4. Oni ___ (číst) knihu.

5. Ona ___ (mít) psa.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences from English to Czech.

1. I want to eat.

2. We are going to the park.

3. You (plural) have a car.

4. He plays basketball.

5. They are my friends.

Exercise 3: Verb Conjugation[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following verbs in all pronouns (já, ty, on/ona/ono, my, vy, oni/ony) for the verb "mít" (to have) and "být" (to be).

Exercise 4: Identify the Verb[edit | edit source]

Identify the verb in the following sentences and state its form (present tense, past tense, etc.).

1. Já jsem učitel.

2. Oni hrají fotbal.

3. Ty jdeš do školy.

4. My jíme jablka.

5. Ona spí.

Exercise 5: Match the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Match the English sentences with their Czech translations.

1. I am happy.

2. They are playing.

3. She has a cat.

4. We are going home.

5. You read a book.

Exercise 6: Create Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Create your own sentences using the verbs "být" and "mít" in the present tense for each pronoun.

Exercise 7: Verb Tenses[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses to complete the sentences.

1. Já ___ (být) unavený.

2. Ty ___ (hrát) tenis.

3. My ___ (mít) nové auto.

4. Oni ___ (jít) na procházku.

5. Ona ___ (číst) knihu.

Exercise 8: Verb Translation[edit | edit source]

Translate the following Czech verbs into English.

1. jíst

2. pít

3. spát

4. hrát

5. pracovat

Exercise 9: Fill in the Correct Conjugation[edit | edit source]

Fill in the correct conjugation of the verb "hrát" in the present tense for each pronoun.

Exercise 10: Rewrite the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Rewrite the following sentences in the present tense, changing the subject where needed.

1. Ona čte noviny. (He)

2. My jdeme do školy. (You)

3. Já mám kočku. (They)

4. Ty spíš. (We)

5. Oni hrají tenis. (She)

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Now let’s go through the solutions to the exercises for clarity and understanding.

Exercise 1 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. jdu

2. hraješ

3. jsme

4. čtou

5. má

Exercise 2 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. Chci jíst.

2. Jdeme do parku.

3. Máte auto.

4. Hraje basketbal.

5. Oni jsou mí přátelé.

Exercise 3 Solutions[edit | edit source]

"mít": já mám, ty máš, on/ona/ono má, my máme, vy máte, oni/ony mají

"být": já jsem, ty jsi, on/ona/ono je, my jsme, vy jste, oni/ony jsou

Exercise 4 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. učitel, present tense

2. hrají, present tense

3. jdeš, present tense

4. jíme, present tense

5. spí, present tense

Exercise 5 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1 - e, 2 - d, 3 - c, 4 - a, 5 - b

Exercise 6 Solutions[edit | edit source]

(Your own sentences may vary; here are examples:)

1. Já jsem šťastný. 2. Ty máš knihu.

Exercise 7 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. jsem

2. hraješ

3. máme

4. jdou

5. čte

Exercise 8 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. to eat

2. to drink

3. to sleep

4. to play

5. to work

Exercise 9 Solutions[edit | edit source]

(Your own answers may vary; here’s an example.)

já hraji, ty hraješ, on hraje, my hrajeme, vy hrajete, oni hrají

Exercise 10 Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. On čte noviny.

2. Vy jdete do školy.

3. Oni mají kočku.

4. My spíme.

5. Ona hraje tenis.

Congratulations! You've taken a big step in your Czech language journey by learning about verbs. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to express yourself in Czech with confidence. In our next lesson, we will dive deeper into the present tense, so stay tuned!

Table of Contents - Czech Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Alphabet and Pronunciation


Nouns and Pronouns


Verbs


Adjectives and Adverbs


Greetings and Introductions


At the Restaurant


Daily Life


History and Traditions


Art and Heritage

Sources[edit | edit source]



Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Possessive Pronouns — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Present Tense ▶️

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