The Verb 'To Be': Learn usage and exceptions in present tense

In this guide, we will explore the usage and exceptions of the verb 'to be' in the present tense in the Czech language. We will focus on teaching you through English, so that you can easily understand and grasp the concepts.

Forms of the Verb 'To Be'

The verb 'to be' in the present tense can be translated to two different forms in Czech, depending on the subject of the sentence. The forms are as follows:

1. Je - used with third person singular subjects (he, she, it) or formal "you" (when addressing someone in a respectful manner).

Example:

• He is a doctor. - Je lékař.

2. Jsou - used with plural subjects (they, you all).

Example:

• They are students. - Jsou studenti.

Exceptions in the Verb 'To Be'

While the forms of the verb 'to be' mentioned above are the most common, there are a few exceptions that you need to be aware of.

1. First Person Singular

In the first person singular (I), instead of using the verb 'to be', we use the pronoun já (I) to indicate existence or presence.

Example:

• I am here. - Já jsem tady.

2. Second Person Singular

In the second person singular (you), we also use a different form of the verb 'to be'. Instead of je, we use jste.

Example:

• You are my friend. - Jste můj přítel.

Contractions

In Czech language, certain contractions are used in the present tense of the verb 'to be' with first and second person singular.

1. Jsem - The contraction of já (I) and jsem (am).

Example:

• I am a student. - Jsem student.

2. Jsi - The contraction of ty (you) and jsi (are).

Example:

• You are smart. - Jsi chytrý.

Summary

To summarize, here are the main points you need to remember about using the verb 'to be' in the present tense in Czech:

• Je is used with third person singular subjects (he, she, it) or formal "you".
• Jsou is used with plural subjects (they, you all).
• Use já (I) instead of the verb 'to be' for the first person singular.
• Use jste instead of je for the second person singular.
• There are contractions for the first and second person singular: jsem and jsi.

By understanding these rules and exceptions, you will be able to use the verb 'to be' correctly in the present tense in Czech. Practice using these forms in various sentences to reinforce your understanding.