čeština
[ˈt͡ʃɛʃcɪna]feminine
The English word "czech" refers to the Czech language, which in Czech is called čeština. Wiktionary also lists český jazyk.
Meaning: language (name)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| čeština | [ˈt͡ʃɛʃcɪna] (narrow) | feminine |
| český jazyk | [ˈt͡ʃɛskiː ˈjazɪk] (word by word, narrow) | masculine |
The term refers to the language itself. You can use the noun čeština or the phrase český jazyk to name the language.
Which one should you use?
The form český jazyk translates directly to "Czech language" and is used in more formal settings.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective český must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, such as jazyk (language). When referring to a person, use the masculine noun Čech for a man and the feminine noun Češka for a woman. The word čeština is a feminine noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective český as a noun to mean the language. Instead, you should use the noun čeština.
Did you know?
- In the 20th century, the phrase český jazyk became a symbol of national identity and resistance during periods of foreign occupation, representing the survival of the Czech spirit.
- The word čeština uses the suffix -ina, which is also used in Czech to describe the material something is made of, such as 'wool' or 'leather'.
- The name of the language is etymologically linked to the word for 'human' or 'person'. The root of čeština comes from the ancient word for a person, suggesting the Czechs were once known as 'the people'.
Examples in context
- Profesor učí český jazyk.The professor teaches Czech.This sentence is useful for seeing the formal phrase český jazyk in use.Tatoeba #873657 by JackSchpeck, translation #873656 by shekitten
- Můj rodný jazyk je čeština.My native language is Czech.This sentence shows how to use the noun čeština to state your native language.Tatoeba #8413285 by Ergulis, translation #8413288 by Ergulis
- Čeština a ruština jsou slovanské jazyky.Czech and Russian are Slavic languages.This sentence uses the noun čeština to categorize the language within the Slavic group.Tatoeba #12480886 by Ergulis, translation #12480887 by Ergulis
- Mluvíte plynně češtinou.You speak Czech fluently.
- Přijel jsem studovat češtinu.I came to study Czech.
- Chci se naučit česky.I want to learn Czech.
- Píšu básně česky.I write poems in Czech.
- Jsem hrdý, že mluvím česky.I'm proud to speak Czech.
- Mého přítele fascinuje čeština a rád ji studuje.My boyfriend is fascinated by Czech and enjoys studying it.
- Budu se učit česky kvůli své cestě do Prahy.I will learn Czech for my trip to Prague.
- Českou kulturu a české filmy považuji za velmi zajímavé.I find Czech culture and Czech movies very interesting.
- Šťastnou cestu!Happy journey!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people discuss learning a new language.
- TomášUčíš se teď češtinu?Are you learning Czech now?
- KateřinaAno, čeština je velmi těžká.Yes, Czech is very difficult.
- TomášMůžu ti s ní pomoct.I can help you with it.
- KateřinaTo by byla velká pomoc, Tomáši.That would be a great help, Tomáš.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “czech” translations and entries čeština, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (český, jazyk) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jazyk, český, čeština, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
