Jedlé

Jedlé is an adjective used in Czech and Slovak to describe foods, plants, or other substances that can be eaten safely. It translates to edible in English and is commonly used in cookery, botany, labeling, and everyday speech. The term is contrasted with terms such as nejedlé (inedible) and jedovaté (poisonous).

Form and grammar: The base form jedlý corresponds to masculine singular. The feminine singular is jedlá, and the neuter singular is jedlé. In plural forms, the endings change according to gender and case, but the word appears in phrases such as jedlé houby (edible mushrooms) or jedlé ovoce (edible fruit). The same root is used in compound expressions and regional varieties within Czech and Slovak.

Usage and examples: In Czech, one might say: To ovoce je jedlé. In Slovak, Ovocie je jedlé. The phrase jedlé houby explicitly signals that the mushrooms are safe to eat. Beyond food, the adjective can describe edible plant parts, edible insects, or other organisms when discussing consumption or culinary use. It is common on product labels and in field guides to indicate human consumption suitability.

Related terms: Nejedlé denotes something not suitable for eating, while jedovaté refers to something poisonous. The broader concept falls under food safety, nutrition, and gastronomy in both languages.

See also: Edible (English), Poživatelné, Nejedlé, Jedovaté, Onder vegetable and mushroom guides in Czech and Slovak literature.