Vzájemná

Vzájemné is a Czech adjective meaning mutual or reciprocal. It describes actions, relations, rights, or obligations that involve two or more parties who influence each other in a reciprocal way. The term is widely used across everyday language as well as in legal, political, and social contexts.

In Czech, vzájemný declines with gender and number, so the form vzájemné appears before certain nouns (for example, in neuter singular or in plural contexts). Common collocations include vzájemná dohoda (mutual agreement), vzájemný vztah (mutual relation), vzájemné vztahy (mutual relations), vzájemná pomoc (mutual aid), and vzájemné uznání (mutual recognition). The related adverb is vzájemně, used to describe reciprocal action, as in spolupracovat vzájemně (to cooperate with each other).

Origins and semantic field: vzájemné derives from the root zájem (interest, concern) with a prefix that emphasizes reciprocity, reflecting the notion of shared or reciprocal interest and responsibility between parties. The term is often contrasted with unilateral authority or action, highlighting bilateral or multilateral engagement.

Related terms: vzájemnost (the noun form expressing reciprocity or mutuality) and vzájemně (adverb). In English, closest equivalents are mutual or reciprocal, depending on contrast and context.

See also: vzájemnost, vzájemně, reciprocity, mutuality.