Potřebuji jídlo a vodu.

I need food and water.

Breakdown of Potřebuji jídlo a vodu.

• já: I
• jídlo: the food
• potřebovat: to need
• a: and
• voda: the water

Questions & Answers about Potřebuji jídlo a vodu.

Why does the sentence use 'Potřebuji' instead of 'Já potřebuji'?

In Czech, personal pronouns (like já meaning I) are usually dropped because the verb form already indicates the person. So Potřebuji on its own clearly means I need.

How is the word 'Potřebuji' formed?

Potřebuji is the first-person singular present tense form of the verb potřebovat (to need). You could also say Potřebuju, which is an equally correct colloquial form.

Can I replace 'jídlo a vodu' with other nouns without changing the verb form?

Yes! The verb doesn't change based on the nouns. You only need to keep the direct objects in the accusative case. For example, you could say Potřebuji knihu a pero (I need a book and a pen).

How do I pronounce the 'ř' in 'Potřebuji'?

The Czech ř is a rolled r combined with a ž (like the s in measure) sound. Try to roll your r softly, then add a slight zh quality to it. It might take practice to perfect.

Why does the sentence use 'a' between 'jídlo' and 'vodu'?

A means and in Czech. It's the common conjunction used to connect nouns, similar to and in English.