Mením

Mením, correctly written with diacritics as měním, is the first person singular present indicative form of the Czech verb měnit. It means to change, to alter, or to exchange. This form is used when the speaker refers to themselves performing a change that is happening now or regularly. In contexts where diacritics are omitted, the form may appear as mením, but such spelling is nonstandard in standard Czech orthography.

Etymology and related forms: měnit comes from Proto-Slavic *měniti, sharing the same root as other Slavic languages’ words for changing or exchanging. Cognates include Russian менять (menyat'), Polish zmieniać, and related forms in other West and South Slavic languages. The noun corresponding to the action is změna, and the related adjective změněný describes something that has been changed.

Usage and nuance: měnit is a general verb for changing a state, form, or condition, as well as for exchanging one thing for another. It is commonly used with direct objects when specifying what is being changed or exchanged, for example: “Měním plány” (I am changing plans). It can describe gradual or ongoing changes as well as deliberate alterations. In contrast, the related verb vyměnit more often emphasizes the act of exchanging one item for another rather than undergoing a change of state.

Conjugation in the present tense: já měním, ty měníš, on/ona mění, my měníme, vy měníte, oni mění. The stem shows vowel alternation with the ě after the initial consonant, a characteristic feature of this verb’s present tense forms. Past tenses are formed with auxiliary být and the appropriate participle: měnil jsem, měnila jsi, měnilo to, etc.

Note: The distinction between měnit and vyměnit is common in usage; měnit covers general change, while vyměnit emphasizes exchanging one thing for another.