Numbers & Counters in Czech

In this lesson, we will explore the grammatical rules associated with numbers and counters in Czech. Understanding how to use numbers correctly is essential for everyday life situations such as counting, telling time, expressing quantities, and ordering at a restaurant. Let's dive in!

Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are used to express quantity or to count objects. Here are the Czech cardinal numbers from 0 to 10:

• 0 - nula
• 1 - jeden
• 2 - dva
• 3 - tři
• 4 - čtyři
• 5 - pět
• 6 - šest
• 7 - sedm
• 8 - osm
• 9 - devět
• 10 - deset

Counting from 11 to 20

From 11 to 20, Czech numbers are formed by combining numbers 1 to 9 with "náct". For example:

• 11 - jedenáct
• 12 - dvanáct
• 13 - třináct
• 14 - čtrnáct
• 15 - patnáct
• 16 - šestnáct
• 17 - sedmnáct
• 18 - osmnáct
• 19 - devatenáct
• 20 - dvacet

Counting from 20 and beyond

After 20, Czech numbers are expressed using the multiples of ten. Here are some examples:

• 30 - třicet
• 40 - čtyřicet
• 50 - padesát
• 60 - šedesát
• 70 - sedmdesát
• 80 - osmdesát
• 90 - devadesát

To form numbers between tens, simply combine the tens multiple with the units. For example:

• 21 - dvacet jeden
• 34 - třicet čtyři
• 57 - padesát sedm

Counting larger numbers

To express larger numbers, combine the hundreds, tens, and units. For example:

• 100 - sto
• 200 - dvě stě
• 300 - tři sta
• 1,000 - tisíc
• 1,500 - tisíc pět set
• 2,000 - dvě tisíce
• 1,000,000 - jeden milion
• 2,500,000 - dvě miliony pět set tisíc

Counting with Counters

In Czech, when counting objects, you need to use specific counters depending on the gender and case of the noun. Here are some common counters:

• For masculine nouns: jeden (1), dva (2), tři (3), čtyři (4), pět (5)
• For feminine nouns: jedna (1), dvě (2 to 4), pět (5)
• For neuter nouns: jedno (1), dvě (2 to 4), pět (5)

The noun following the number is placed in the appropriate case:

• Nominative: jedno jablko (one apple)
• Genitive: dvě jablka (two apples)
• Accusative: pět jablek (five apples)
• Locative: o třech jablkách (about three apples)

Time Expressions

To tell the time in Czech, you generally use the 24-hour clock system. Here are some useful phrases:

• What time is it? - Kolik je hodin?
• It's one o'clock. - Je jedna hodina.
• It's two thirty. - Je půl třetí.
• It's six forty-five. - Je tři čtvrtě na sedm.

Useful Phrases for Quantities

When expressing quantities or measurements, you can use the following phrases:

• How much? - Kolik?
• A little - Trochu
• A lot - Hodně
• Some - Něco
• Many - Mnoho

Conclusion

Understanding numbers and counters in Czech is crucial for everyday communication. By applying the grammatical rules covered in this guide, you will be able to confidently navigate various situations that involve numbers, counting, telling time, and expressing quantities. Keep practicing and building your vocabulary to enhance your fluency in Czech!