Modal Verbs & Constructions in Czech
Modal Verbs (muset, moct, smět, chtít, mít)
Czech modal verbs (muset = must, moct = can/able, smět = may/allowed, chtít = want, mít = supposed to) govern bare infinitives to express modality.
In Czech grammar, *Modal Verbs (Modální slovesa)* combine with a following short infinitive to modify the mood, necessity, possibility, permission, or intention of the action:
1. The 5 Core Czech Modal Verbs: - muset (must / to have to): denotes strong obligation or inevitable logical conclusion: Musím jít domů. (I have to go home), Musí to být pravda. (It must be true). - moct / moci (can / to be able to): denotes physical capability, possibility, or circumstance: Můžu vám pomoct. (I can help you), Nemohu přijít. (I cannot come). - smět (may / to be permitted to): denotes official permission or right. In negation, nesmět expresses strict prohibition ('must not'): Zde se nesmí kouřit. (Smoking is forbidden here / one must not smoke here). - chtít (to want / wish): denotes volition or desire: Chci studovat v Praze. (I want to study in Prague). - mít (to be supposed to / should): in combination with an infinitive, denotes expected duty or recommendation: Mám tam jít v devět hodin. (I am supposed to go there at nine o'clock).
Crucial Distinctions in Negation: - Nemusíš to dělat. = You do not have to do it (no obligation, optional). - Nesmíš to dělat! = You must not do it! (strict prohibition!).
Examples
Musíme dokončit celou vědeckou zprávu před zítřejším jednáním komise.
We must complete the entire scientific report before tomorrow's committee meeting.
V této historické části knihovny se nesmí nahlas telefonovat ani jíst.
In this historic part of the library, one must not talk loudly on the phone nor eat.
Můžete mi prosím podrobněji vysvětlit tento složitý gramatický jev?
Could you please explain this complex grammatical phenomenon to me in more detail?
Mám se zítra v devět hodin ráno sejít s panem ředitelem v jeho kanceláři.
I am supposed to meet with the director tomorrow at nine o'clock in the morning in his office.
Related terms
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