Já jsem Marek.

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Breakdown of Já jsem Marek.

• být: to be
• Marek: Marek

Questions & Answers about Já jsem Marek.

Why do Czech speakers often include "já" if "jsem" already indicates the first person?

Including já (meaning I) is optional for clarity or emphasis. Jsem alone already indicates I am because jsem is the first-person singular form of být (to be). In everyday speech, Czech speakers can say Jsem Marek or Já jsem Marek, depending on context or emphasis.

Is it correct or more natural to say "Jsem Marek" instead of "Já jsem Marek"?

Both are correct and natural. Jsem Marek is completely acceptable in casual conversation, while Já jsem Marek can stress or clarify the subject "I". Often you’ll hear Jsem Marek because Czech requires fewer pronouns than English.

How flexible is the word order in this sentence? Could I say "Marek jsem já"?

Czech word order is flexible compared to English, but the meaning and emphasis can shift. Marek jsem já emphasizes that it is I who is Marek. For a simple statement, Já jsem Marek or Jsem Marek is most natural.

Why do we use "jsem" instead of "jsi" or "je"?

In Czech, the verb být (to be) changes form depending on the subject:
• já jsem (I am)
• ty jsi (you are)
• on/ona/ono je (he/she/it is)
Using jsem signifies the first-person singular (I am).

Why isn’t there an article like "a" or "the" before the name "Marek"?

Czech does not use articles the way English does. There's no equivalent of a, an, or the in Czech, so names and nouns typically appear without articles. In a sentence like Já jsem Marek, it’s simply understood that Marek is a name without needing an article.