Mám psa s kočkou.

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Breakdown of Mám psa s kočkou.

• mít: to have
• pes: the dog
• kočka: the cat
• s: with

Questions & Answers about Mám psa s kočkou.

Why do we have psa instead of "pes"?

In Czech, the word pes is the nominative form (the basic form of the word). However, in this sentence, it's the direct object of mám (I have), so we use the accusative form psa.

Why is kočkou used here instead of "kočka"?

After the preposition s (with), Czech typically uses the instrumental case. The instrumental singular of kočka is kočkou, which is why it appears in that form.

What is the role of the preposition s in this sentence?

The preposition s means with. Here, it indicates that you have the dog together with the cat, emphasizing that you possess them in one group or context.

Why does the sentence sound like "I have a dog with a cat" in English? Is it unusual in Czech?

The phrase Mám psa s kočkou literally translates to I have a dog with a cat in English. It sounds a bit unusual because it's not a very common idea to express that you have both a dog and a cat together this way. However, it's still grammatically correct in Czech if you want to emphasize you have them as one combined idea.

Could you just say Mám psa a kočku?

Yes! You can say Mám psa a kočku (I have a dog and a cat) to plainly state that you have both animals. That’s a simpler, more common way to express the same idea.