Blízki

Blízki is a word used in Slovak and, with a similar function, in Czech. It stems from the adjective blízky, meaning close or near, and in plural form may refer to people who are emotionally or practically close. In everyday Slovak, blízki can function as a noun meaning “the close ones” and is commonly used to refer to relatives or close friends, as in moji blízki (my relatives/close ones). The form also appears as the masculine plural of the adjective, used with masculine animate nouns, for example blízki ľudia (close people).

In Czech, the corresponding plural is blízcí, used similarly to denote close relatives or close friends. Phrases such as naši blízcí (our close ones) or moji blízcí (my close ones) are typical in casual speech. The sense remains tied to emotional or practical proximity rather than mere physical nearness.

Etymology and usage notes: blízky originates from a root meaning near or close, shared across Slavic languages. The term blízki is particularly common in Slovak as a fixed expression for family and other people to whom one feels a strong personal connection. In formal writing, speakers may opt for more specific terms such as príbuzní (relatives) or blízcí lidé (close people) to avoid ambiguity. Both languages distinguish the plural form for adjectives from explicit nouns used to refer to a group of people who are important in one’s life.