Čtení knihy je důležité, protože se chci učit.

Reading a book is important because I want to learn.

Breakdown of Čtení knihy je důležité, protože se chci učit.

• já: I
• být: to be
• chtít: to want
• protože: because
• se: oneself
• učit se: to learn
• kniha: the book
• důležitý: important
• čtení: the reading

Questions & Answers about Čtení knihy je důležité, protože se chci učit.

Why does the sentence use "Čtení knihy" instead of "Číst knihu"?

"Čtení knihy" uses the noun form čtení (reading) and the genitive singular of kniha (knihy) to express “the reading of a book.” It emphasizes the activity itself as a concept or noun. By contrast, číst knihu would be the verb phrase “to read a book.” You can think of čtení as turning the verb číst into a noun, highlighting “reading” as an action or process.

Why is the word "důležité" used instead of "důležitý"?

In Czech, the form důležité is the neuter singular adjective matching the neuter singular noun čtení (since čtení is a neuter noun). Czech adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify.

Why do we say "protože se chci učit" instead of "protože já chci se učit"?

Czech often avoids using pronouns (já) when the subject is obvious from the verb form. Also, the reflexive pronoun se typically appears right after protože or close to the verb chci. Saying já chci se učit is grammatically possible, but it can sound a bit less natural. Protože se chci učit is the most common, fluid way to say it.

Can I use "čtení knih" instead of "čtení knihy"?

Yes, but it changes the nuance slightly. Čtení knihy references reading one specific book (singular kniha). Čtení knih is more general, referencing reading books (plural). Both are grammatically correct; the choice depends on whether you mean one book or books in general.

Is it common to say "učit se" in this context, or would "studovat" also work?

Both učit se (to learn) and studovat (to study) can work, but učit se is more general and commonly used for learning new information or skills. Studovat can also mean to be formally studying a subject, such as at a school or university. In a casual statement about self-improvement, protože se chci učit is very natural.