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Questions & Answers about Prosím, ochutnej to.
Why is it ochutnej and not something else?
In Czech, ochutnej is the singular informal imperative form of the verb ochutnat (to taste). The command form changes based on whether you're speaking informally (ty form) or formally (vy form). For example, the formal command would be ochutnejte instead.
How does Prosím, ochutnej to compare to Prosím, ochutnejte to in terms of politeness?
Using Prosím, ochutnejte to is more polite or formal because ochutnejte is the imperative form for vy (the plural or formal you). On the other hand, Prosím, ochutnej to is an informal way to address someone casually or someone you know well (the singular informal ty form).
What does to refer to in this sentence, and how is it used in Czech?
To is a demonstrative pronoun that can mean it, this, or that. In Prosím, ochutnej to, it points to whatever is being offered to taste. Czech often uses to at the end of a sentence to refer to a neutral object or situation.
Is Prosím necessary at the start of the sentence?
Prosím literally means please, and it helps to soften the request, making it more polite. It’s not strictly required, but including it makes the sentence more courteous. Without Prosím, Ochutnej to can sound more direct or commanding.
Can I leave out to if it’s clear what I want someone to taste?
In everyday spoken Czech, you might hear Prosím, ochutnej if the context is obvious. However, native speakers usually keep to to be precise about what is being tasted. It’s grammatically correct to include to, especially if there could be any confusion about what is being offered.