The Czech verb "být" (to be) is one of the most fundamental and frequently used verbs in the Czech language. Like its English counterpart, it serves as both a linking verb connecting subjects with their attributes and as an auxiliary verb in compound tenses. However, unlike English, Czech "být" changes its form according to person, number, and tense, making it essential for learners to master its various conjugations.
FAQ Schema Q: What does "být" mean in Czech? A: "Být" means "to be" in English. It is used to express existence, state, condition, or to link subjects with their attributes. Examples include: "Jsem student" (I am a student), "Je to kniha" (It is a book), "Jsou šťastní" (They are happy).
In this lesson, you will encounter "být" in its various conjugated forms across different persons and numbers. The examples progress from simple statements of identity and location to more complex expressions involving attributes, professions, and states of being. Each example is carefully constructed to demonstrate different uses of this essential verb while introducing useful vocabulary and common Czech sentence patterns.
Educational Schema Course: Czech for English Speakers Level: Beginner Lesson: 2 Topic: The verb "být" (to be) Type: Language Learning Material Institution: Latinum Institute Format: Self-study reading lesson with interlinear glosses
Key Takeaways: -
Czech "být" conjugates differently for each person (I, you, he/she/it, we, you plural, they) -
Present tense forms: jsem, jsi/jste, je, jsme, jste, jsou -
Word order in Czech is more flexible than English, but verb position affects emphasis -
"Být" is often omitted in certain contexts (unlike English which always requires it) -
The verb agrees with the subject in person and number
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2.1 Já I jsem am student student
2.2 Ty you jsi are můj my bratr brother
2.3 Praha Prague je is krásné beautiful město city
2.4 My we jsme are z from České Czech republiky Republic
2.5 Kde where je is tvoje your kniha book?
2.6 Oni they jsou are velmi very unavení tired
2.7 To that není is-not moje my chyba fault
2.8 Jsi are ty you připravený ready na for zkoušku exam?
2.9 Moje my matka mother je is lékařka doctor
2.10 Jsme are tady here už already hodinu hour
2.11 Ten that dům house je is starý old ale but pěkný nice
2.12 Nejsem am-not si self jistý certain, kde where jsou are klíče keys
2.13 Vy you-formal jste are pan Mr. Novák Novák?
2.14 Její her děti children jsou are ve in škole school
2.15 Být to-be šťastný happy je is důležité important
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2.1 Já jsem student. I am a student.
2.2 Ty jsi můj bratr. You are my brother.
2.3 Praha je krásné město. Prague is a beautiful city.
2.4 My jsme z České republiky. We are from the Czech Republic.
2.5 Kde je tvoje kniha? Where is your book?
2.6 Oni jsou velmi unavení. They are very tired.
2.7 To není moje chyba. That is not my fault.
2.8 Jsi ty připravený na zkoušku? Are you ready for the exam?
2.9 Moje matka je lékařka. My mother is a doctor.
2.10 Jsme tady už hodinu. We have been here for an hour already.
2.11 Ten dům je starý, ale pěkný. That house is old but nice.
2.12 Nejsem si jistý, kde jsou klíče. I am not certain where the keys are.
2.13 Vy jste pan Novák? Are you Mr. Novák?
2.14 Její děti jsou ve škole. Her children are at school.
2.15 Být šťastný je důležité. To be happy is important.
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2.1 Já jsem student.
2.2 Ty jsi můj bratr.
2.3 Praha je krásné město.
2.4 My jsme z České republiky.
2.5 Kde je tvoje kniha?
2.6 Oni jsou velmi unavení.
2.7 To není moje chyba.
2.8 Jsi ty připravený na zkoušku?
2.9 Moje matka je lékařka.
2.10 Jsme tady už hodinu.
2.11 Ten dům je starý, ale pěkný.
2.12 Nejsem si jistý, kde jsou klíče.
2.13 Vy jste pan Novák?
2.14 Její děti jsou ve škole.
2.15 Být šťastný je důležité.
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Grammar Rules for "být" (to be)
The Czech verb "být" is an irregular verb that must be memorized, as its forms do not follow the standard conjugation patterns. Unlike English, which uses only "am," "is," and "are" in the present tense, Czech has six distinct forms.
Present Tense Conjugation of "být": -
já jsem (I am) -
ty jsi (you are - informal singular) -
on/ona/ono je (he/she/it is) -
my jsme (we are) -
vy jste (you are - formal singular or any plural) -
oni/ony/ona jsou (they are - masculine/feminine/neuter)
Key Differences from English: -
Czech requires different forms for each person, while English uses only three forms -
Czech has formal and informal "you" (vy/ty), each with its own conjugation -
The subject pronoun can often be omitted in Czech because the verb form indicates the person -
Negative forms are created by adding "ne-" directly to the verb: nejsem (I am not), není (is not), nejsou (are not)
Common Mistakes: -
Using the wrong form of "být" with the subject (e.g., saying "já je" instead of "já jsem") -
Forgetting that "vy jste" can mean both formal singular "you are" and plural "you are" -
Translating English word order directly without considering Czech flexibility -
Omitting "být" where Czech requires it (Czech sometimes needs "být" where English doesn't) -
Using "jsi" (informal) when "jste" (formal) is appropriate in formal situations
Step-by-Step Guide to Using "být": -
Identify your subject (who or what is doing the being) -
Determine if the subject is singular or plural -
If addressing someone directly, decide if formal (vy) or informal (ty) is appropriate -
Select the correct form of "být" based on the subject -
Remember that word order is flexible, but the verb must agree with the subject
Grammatical Summary: "Být" is used to: -
Express states of being: Jsem unavený (I am tired) -
Identify people or things: To je můj dům (That is my house) -
Indicate location: Kde jsi? (Where are you?) -
Form compound tenses (in combination with past participles) -
Express possession in certain constructions
The infinitive "být" is used after modal verbs and in infinitive constructions: Chci být učitel (I want to be a teacher).
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For English speakers learning Czech, understanding the cultural dimensions of "být" is crucial. Czech society maintains a clear distinction between formal and informal address, which directly affects your choice between "ty jsi" and "vy jste." Using "ty" with someone you've just met or in a professional context would be considered rude, while "vy" shows respect and social distance.
The verb "být" also appears in many Czech idioms and expressions that reflect cultural values. For instance, "být v pohodě" (literally "to be in comfort") means to be okay or cool with something, reflecting the Czech appreciation for comfort and ease in social situations. The phrase "je to tak" (it is so) is commonly used to express resignation or acceptance of fate, revealing a certain Czech philosophical outlook.
In Czech culture, directness is valued, and this is reflected in how "být" is used. Czechs often omit subject pronouns when the verb form makes the subject clear, creating more economical expression. This linguistic efficiency mirrors the practical, no-nonsense approach characteristic of Czech communication style.
The formal/informal distinction with "být" also reflects Czech history. During the Communist era, the formal "vy" was sometimes enforced as "comrade" address, but since 1989, there's been a gradual shift toward more informal usage among younger generations, though formal address remains important in professional and official contexts.
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From "Babička" (The Grandmother) by Božena Němcová (1855):
"Byla krásná jako růže, ale srdce měla ještě krásnější. Všichni ji měli rádi, protože byla dobrá a laskavá. Její úsměv byl jako paprsek slunce v tmavé místnosti."
Byla was krásná beautiful jako like růže rose, ale but srdce heart měla had ještě even krásnější more-beautiful. Všichni everyone ji her měli had rádi glad, protože because byla was dobrá good a and laskavá kind. Její her úsměv smile byl was jako like paprsek ray slunce sun v in tmavé dark místnosti room.
"Byla krásná jako růže, ale srdce měla ještě krásnější. Všichni ji měli rádi, protože byla dobrá a laskavá. Její úsměv byl jako paprsek slunce v tmavé místnosti."
She was beautiful as a rose, but her heart was even more beautiful. Everyone loved her because she was good and kind. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine in a dark room.
This passage from Božena Němcová's beloved novel "Babička" demonstrates the past tense forms of "být": "byla" (she was) and "byl" (it was). The text showcases how "být" functions as a linking verb connecting subjects with their attributes (krásná, dobrá, laskavá).
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"byla" - past tense feminine singular of "být" (she was) -
"byl" - past tense masculine singular of "být" (it was) -
Note how Czech past tense of "být" agrees with gender: byla (feminine), byl (masculine), bylo (neuter) -
The word order places the verb first for emphasis in "Byla krásná" -
Past tense in Czech is formed with the past participle of the main verb (which agrees in gender and number)
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2.16 Dobrý good den day, jak how se self máte have? Já I jsem am David David.
2.17 Jsme are rádi glad, že that jste are tady here s with námi us.
2.18 Není is-not to it problém problem, já I jsem am také also často often pozdě late.
2.19 Kde where jsou are toalety toilets? Jsou are napravo on-right nebo or nalevo on-left?
2.20 Ty you jsi are student student nebo or už already pracuješ work?
2.21 My we jsme are tu here poprvé first-time, je is to it krásné beautiful místo place.
2.22 Promiňte excuse, vy you jste are paní Mrs Svobodová Svobodová?
2.23 Děti children nejsou are-not doma home, jsou are u at babičky grandmother.
2.24 Je is mi to-me líto sorry, ale but nejsem am-not si self jistá certain.
2.25 Kolik how-much je is hodin hours? Je is už already pozdě late?
2.26 Oni they jsou are naši our noví new sousedé neighbors z from Moravy Moravia.
2.27 Jste are všichni all připraveni ready na for výlet trip?
2.28 To that je is pravda truth, ale but není is-not to it jednoduché simple.
2.29 Jsem am rád glad, že that je is pátek Friday a and zítra tomorrow je is víkend weekend.
2.30 Kdo who je is to that? To that je is můj my kamarád friend Tomáš Tomáš.
2.16 Dobrý den, jak se máte? Já jsem David. Good day, how are you? I am David.
2.17 Jsme rádi, že jste tady s námi. We are glad that you are here with us.
2.18 Není to problém, já jsem také často pozdě. It's not a problem, I am also often late.
2.19 Kde jsou toalety? Jsou napravo nebo nalevo? Where are the toilets? Are they on the right or on the left?
2.20 Ty jsi student nebo už pracuješ? Are you a student or do you already work?
2.21 My jsme tu poprvé, je to krásné místo. We are here for the first time, it is a beautiful place.
2.22 Promiňte, vy jste paní Svobodová? Excuse me, are you Mrs. Svobodová?
2.23 Děti nejsou doma, jsou u babičky. The children are not at home, they are at grandmother's.
2.24 Je mi líto, ale nejsem si jistá. I am sorry, but I am not certain.
2.25 Kolik je hodin? Je už pozdě? What time is it? Is it already late?
2.26 Oni jsou naši noví sousedé z Moravy. They are our new neighbors from Moravia.
2.27 Jste všichni připraveni na výlet? Are you all ready for the trip?
2.28 To je pravda, ale není to jednoduché. That is true, but it is not simple.
2.29 Jsem rád, že je pátek a zítra je víkend. I am glad that it is Friday and tomorrow is the weekend.
2.30 Kdo je to? To je můj kamarád Tomáš. Who is that? That is my friend Tomáš.
2.16 Dobrý den, jak se máte? Já jsem David.
2.17 Jsme rádi, že jste tady s námi.
2.18 Není to problém, já jsem také často pozdě.
2.19 Kde jsou toalety? Jsou napravo nebo nalevo?
2.20 Ty jsi student nebo už pracuješ?
2.21 My jsme tu poprvé, je to krásné místo.
2.22 Promiňte, vy jste paní Svobodová?
2.23 Děti nejsou doma, jsou u babičky.
2.24 Je mi líto, ale nejsem si jistá.
2.25 Kolik je hodin? Je už pozdě?
2.26 Oni jsou naši noví sousedé z Moravy.
2.27 Jste všichni připraveni na výlet?
2.28 To je pravda, ale není to jednoduché.
2.29 Jsem rád, že je pátek a zítra je víkend.
2.30 Kdo je to? To je můj kamarád Tomáš.
In daily Czech conversations, "být" appears in numerous idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases that English speakers must learn as complete units:
Common Conversational Patterns: -
"Jak se máte?" (How are you?) - literally "How do you have yourself?" -
"Je mi líto" (I'm sorry) - literally "It is to me sorrow" -
"Jsem rád/ráda" (I'm glad) - gender must agree with speaker -
"Kolik je hodin?" (What time is it?) - literally "How many is hours?"
Expressing Emotions and States: Czech uses "být" with the dative case to express feelings: -
Je mi zima (I'm cold) - literally "It is to me cold" -
Je mi dobře (I feel well) - literally "It is to me well" -
Je mi 20 let (I am 20 years old) - literally "It is to me 20 years"
Question Formation: Questions with "být" can be formed by: -
Intonation alone: Jste student? (rising tone) -
Adding question words: Kde jste? (Where are you?) -
Verb-first word order: Jste vy pan Novák? (Are you Mr. Novák?)
Politeness Conventions: -
Always use "vy jste" when meeting someone new -
Switch to "ty jsi" only when invited or with close friends/family -
In shops and offices, always maintain formal address -
With elderly people, always use formal unless they specifically request informal
Common Mistakes in Conversation: -
Forgetting gender agreement in "Jsem rád" (male) vs "Jsem ráda" (female) -
Using wrong formality level in social situations -
Translating English "How are you?" literally instead of using "Jak se máte?" -
Omitting "to" in expressions like "To je pravda" (That's true)
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The Latinum Institute has been creating innovative online language learning materials since 2006, pioneering the use of interlinear texts and construed reading methods for self-directed learners. These Czech lessons follow the Institute's proven methodology, which emphasizes comprehensible input through carefully glossed authentic texts.
The lesson format you've just studied represents the Institute's approach to making complex grammatical concepts accessible to autodidacts. By presenting each word with its English gloss in Section A, learners can immediately understand the meaning while absorbing Czech sentence structure. The progression through complete sentences (Section B), Czech-only text (Section C), and detailed grammar explanations (Section D) reinforces learning through multiple exposures and perspectives.
This method, refined over nearly two decades of online language instruction, proves particularly effective for adult learners who prefer analytical approaches and comprehensive explanations. The inclusion of cultural context (Section E) and authentic literary excerpts (Section F) ensures that learners gain not just linguistic competence but also cultural literacy.
The Latinum Institute's materials are designed for serious language learners who appreciate thorough, scholarly presentations without the oversimplification common in many modern language courses. Each lesson provides sufficient material for several study sessions, allowing learners to return to examples multiple times for deeper understanding.
The Institute's approach has earned recognition from language learners worldwide. For testimonials and reviews from students, visit: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/latinum.org.uk
For more information about the Institute's methodology and additional language courses, visit the method page at latinum.substack.com and latinum.org.uk, where you'll find extensive resources for Latin, Ancient Greek, and modern language learning using these proven interlinear and construed text methods.
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