Learn Hardcore Czech: To je váš pes?

The word to is a neuter pronoun that can be translated as it, this, or that. In Czech, it’s very common to use to when pointing to or identifying something, regardless of the noun’s grammatical gender. In this case, to helps draw attention to “that thing over there” and establishes it as the topic: in other words, “Is that your dog?”

Why is the masculine word pes used with the neuter to?

In Czech, to doesn’t have to match the gender of the noun it refers to. It simply serves as a pointer or a general identifier. Even though pes (dog) is masculine, to can still be used to ask or state what that object or being is.

What is the difference between váš and tvůj?

Váš is the formal or plural form of “your,” while tvůj is the informal singular form. You would typically use váš when speaking to someone you don’t know well (or wish to show respect to) or when talking to multiple people. If you’re speaking informally to just one person, you’d use tvůj.

Can I say Je to váš pes? instead of To je váš pes??

Yes! Both word orders are acceptable. To je váš pes? is slightly more neutral, while Je to váš pes? puts more emphasis on the question aspect. They both mean “Is that your dog?” or “That is your dog?” in conversational Czech, so you can use either.

Why does the sentence use je? Is there another form I should know?

Je is the third-person singular present tense form of být (to be). It’s used to state or ask who or what someone or something is. If you change the subject or tense, you’d use other forms (e.g., byl in the past, bude in the future), but for a straightforward present-tense question like this, je is exactly what’s needed.