jazyk
[ˈjazɪk]masculine
The English phrase 'language' can be translated into Czech as jazyk or řeč.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jazyk | [ˈjazɪk] (narrow) | masculine |
| řeč | [ˈr̝ɛt͡ʃ] (narrow) | feminine |
In Czech, 'language' can be expressed in two ways depending on whether you are discussing a linguistic system or the act of speaking. Use jazyk to refer to a specific linguistic system, such as Czech or English and use řeč to refer to speech or the spoken expression of a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word jazyk literally means both 'language' and 'tongue' (the organ in the mouth).
Which one should you use?
jazyk is used for a specific linguistic system of grammar and vocabulary, while řeč refers more to the act of speech or a particular way of speaking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of jazyk is jazyky, and the plural form of řeč is řeči.
Did you know?
- The word jazyk is used in the expression ukázat jazyk, which means to stick out your tongue as a gesture of mockery.
- If someone speaks too fast or unclearly, a Czech person might say they have rozvázaný jazyk, meaning their 'tongue is untied'.
- The word jazyk shares a common ancestor with the English word 'tongue'. Both trace back to the same Proto-Indo-European root describing the organ of speech.
Examples in context
- Je to mrtvý jazyk.It is a dead language.This sentence uses jazyk to describe a dead language.Tatoeba #6560590 by lovermann, translation #6561591 by Megz
- Pero je řečí duše.The pen is the language of the soul.This sentence uses řeč to describe the language of the soul.Tatoeba #10559814 by aldar, translation #13065352 by rul
- Jaký to byl jazyk?What language was that?This sentence uses jazyk to ask which language was being used.Tatoeba #11008601 by Ergulis, translation #3738657 by CK
- Český jazyk je krásný.The Czech language is beautiful.
- Anglická řeč je rozšířená po celém světě.The English language is widespread across the world.
- 164 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tereza and Tomáš are discussing learning a new skill at a cafe.
- TomášChci se naučit nový jazyk.I want to learn a new language.
- TerezaKterý jazyk by tě zajímal?Which language would interest you?
- TomášAspoň trochu ovládám španělský jazyk.I know a bit of the Spanish language.
- TerezaTo je skvělé!That is great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries jazyk, řeč, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jazyk, řeč, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
