Ways to say it
| Czech | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ty | [ˈtɪ] (narrow) | |
| vy | [ˈvɪ] (narrow) | polite |
These pronouns are used to address the person or people being spoken to. While ty refers to a single person in an informal context, vy can refer to a single person in a formal context or to a group of people.
Which one should you use?
The form ty is used for a single person whom you know well, such as a friend, family member or child. In contrast, vy is used to address a single person formally or to address a group of people (plural "you").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ty is the informal counterpart to the formal vy. Use vy as the standard and most respectful form when addressing someone formally. Related to this, the verb vykat means to address someone using this formal second-person pronoun. When using the formal vy, the possessive pronouns Váš and Vaše are also used to correspond to that level of respect.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ty is the nominative singular subject pronoun. vy serves as the nominative plural or formal singular subject pronoun. Additionally, vy can function as a determiner to refer to the individual or group being spoken or written to.
Did you know?
- When you switch from using vy to ty with someone, it is a significant social milestone called 'přechod k tykání'. It signals that a formal relationship has become a friendship.
- In some traditional Czech settings, a person might address their own parents using the formal vy as a sign of deep respect.
- The pronoun ty descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *túh₂, making it a distant relative of the English word 'thou'.
Examples in context
- A kdo jsi ty?And who are you?This sentence is useful for asking someone's identity using ty.Tatoeba #8308932 by Ergulis, translation #8253828 by shekitten
- Ty to máš rád?You like it?This sentence is useful for expressing a preference or state using ty.Tatoeba #3577322 by nueby, translation #424901 by FeuDRenais
- Co ty jsi zač?Who on earth are you?This sentence is useful for expressing surprise or emphasis regarding someone's identity using ty.Tatoeba #4284275 by lipao, translation #66254 by CM
- Jak se máte?How are you?
- Prosím Vás, můžete mi pomoci?Excuse me, can you help me?
- Chtěl bych vidět Vaše výsledkyI would like to see your results
- Ty mi pomůžeš, že ano?You will help me, won't you?
- Kde je tvůj batoh?Where is your backpack?
- Dobrý den, jak se máte?Good day, how are you?
- Pomůžete mi, prosím?Will you help me, please?
- Ahoj, jak se máš?Hi, how are you?
- 857 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomáš and Kateřina are talking about their hobbies.
- TomášCo ty děláš ve volném čase?What do you do in your free time?
- KateřinaJá ráda čtu knihy.I like reading books.
- TomášTo zní zajímavě.That sounds interesting.
- KateřinaA ty? Co máš rád ty?And you? What do you like?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries ty, vy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ty, vy, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
