Modal verbs

= modální verba

What is a modal verb? 

A modal verb is a verb that shows intent, possibility or necessity. They are a type of auxiliary (helper) verb and they are typically used alongside the infinitive form of the main verb.

CHTÍT* - want

MOCT* - can, be able to

MUSET - must, have to 

Both chtít* and moct* are irregular verbs (follow the irregular conjugation).

chtít*: já chci, ty chceš, on/ona/ono chce, my chceme, vy chcete, oni chtějí

moct*: já můžu, ty můžeš, on/ona/ono může, my můžeme, vy můžete. oni můžou


For example:

Chci jít do kina. - I want to go to cinema. 

Můžu studovat češtinu každý den. - I can study Czech every day.

Musím pracovat. - I have to work. 


Negation

Negation is formed by adding ne- in front of the modal verb. For example:

Nechci jít do kina. - I do not want to go to cinema.

Nemůžu studovat češtinu každý den. - I cannot study Czech every day. 

Nemusím pracovat. - I do not have to work. 


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