Constructing Yes/No Questions in Czech

In this guide, we will dive into constructing Yes/No questions in Czech. Asking clear and concise questions is essential in everyday conversations. Let's perfect your skills in forming Yes/No questions in the Czech language.

1. Word Order in Yes/No Questions:

In Czech, the word order in Yes/No questions generally follows this pattern:

Auxiliary Verb (if present) + Subject + Main Verb + Object + Other Elements

For example:

• Máš rád čokoládu? (Do you like chocolate?)
• Je tady někdo? (Is someone here?)
• Jedeš zítra do práce? (Are you going to work tomorrow?)

2. Auxiliary Verbs for Yes/No Questions:

In Czech, Yes/No questions often use auxiliary verbs to form the question. The choice of auxiliary verb depends on the tense and verb aspect. Here are some commonly used auxiliary verbs:

• Být (to be): Used for forming questions in the present tense.

Example:

• Jsi unavený? (Are you tired?)

• Jsou děti venku? (Are the children outside?)

• Mít (to have): Used for forming questions in the past tense.

Example:

• Měl jsi dobrý víkend? (Did you have a good weekend?)

• Měli jsme společnou zkušenost. (Did we have a shared experience?)

• Být + Past Participle: Used for forming questions in the passive voice.

Example:

• Byl jsi pozván na večírek? (Were you invited to the party?)
• Byl tento hotel otevřen minulý rok? (Was this hotel open last year?)

3. Intonation in Yes/No Questions:

In Czech, the rising intonation at the end of the sentence is used to indicate a Yes/No question. However, it's important to note that in written form, the question mark is sufficient to denote a question.

Example:

• Máš hlad? (Are you hungry?)
• Otevřeno? (Is it open?)

4. Question Words in Yes/No Questions:

In some cases, question words can be used in Yes/No questions to ask for specific information. Here are a few examples:

• Proč (Why)
• Kdy (When)
• Kde (Where)
• Jak (How)

Example:

• Proč jsi přišel tak pozdě? (Why did you come so late?)
• Jak se cítíš? (How are you feeling?)

5. Verb Conjugation in Yes/No Questions:

When conjugating verbs in Yes/No questions, the main verb usually remains in the infinitive form.

Example:

• Chodíš často do kina? (Do you go to the cinema often?)
• Hraješ tenis? (Do you play tennis?)

6. Subject-Verb Agreement:

In Czech, the subject and verb must agree in terms of both person and number.

Example:

• Jsem student. (I am a student.)
• Jsou tady lidi. (There are people here.)

Now that you have learned the essentials of constructing Yes/No questions in Czech, practice forming questions in your everyday conversations. Keep improving by using different verbs, tenses, and question words. Happy learning!