Odkud

Odkud is a Czech interrogative adverb meaning “from where.” It is used to ask about the origin, source, or starting point of something, including a person, an object, information, or a movement. For example: “Odkud pochází ten obraz?” (Where does that painting come from?) and “Odkud víš tu informaci?” (From where do you know that information?)

In syntax, odkud can begin a question or appear within a clause as part of a subordinate structure. It often introduces questions about origin or source in various tenses and moods. Common constructions include direct questions such as “Odkud jsi?” and “Odkud pocházíš?” as well as indirect questions like “Nevím, odkud to pochází.” The form is versatile and used in both formal and informal Czech.

Etymology and related forms: odkud is formed from the preposition od “from” plus kud, an interrogative element meaning “where” or “whence.” It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Polish skąd and Russian otkuda, reflecting a shared Slavic heritage for whence-like interrogatives.

See also: wh- words in Czech, od (preposition), kudy (where/how), odkudkud (idiomatic usage in some dialects).