Podstatný

Podstatný is a Czech adjective meaning essential, important, or substantial. It is used to describe something that forms a core part, essence, or fundamental aspect of a situation, object, or concept.

Etymology and forms: Podstatný derives from podstata, meaning essence or substance, with the adjectival suffix -ný. In Czech grammar, the neuter singular form podstatné is used when qualifying a neuter noun such as jméno in the typical grammatical term podstatné jméno, which means noun. The masculine and feminine forms are podstatný and podstatná, respectively.

Usage and nuances: Podstatný emphasizes the core importance or fundamental nature of something, often in contrast to merely noticeable or incidental aspects. It is commonly paired with nouns such as rozdíl (difference), část (part), význam (meaning), or vliv (influence): podstatný rozdíl, podstatná část, podstatný význam, podstatný vliv. It can be synonymous with zásadní or klíčový in many contexts, but podstatný carries a sense of essential substance rather than mere significance.

In everyday language, podstatný can describe both qualitative and quantitative importance, as in podstatný podíl (a substantial share) or podstatná změna (a substantial change). In grammar, the compound term podstatné jméno means noun, highlighting how the word’s lexical core relates to substance or essence rather than grammatical function alone.

See also: podstatné jméno (noun), grammar terminology for Czech.