chci

Chci is the first-person singular present tense form of the Czech verb chtít, meaning to want. It expresses a desire or intention regarding something to do or obtain, and it is typically followed by an infinitive or a clause. The subject já is usually implied by the verb form.

In usage, chci is direct and common in everyday speech. To soften a request or a polite wish, speakers often use forms such as chtěl bych or rád bych. Chci can convey a strong or definite wish, whereas more tentative or courteous expressions may be preferred in formal or unfamiliar settings.

Conjugation in the present tense is: já chci, ty chceš, on chce, my chceme, vy chcete, oni chtějí. The verb is commonly used with infinitives, as in Chci jít domů (I want to go home) or Chci číst tu knihu (I want to read this book). It also forms part of many fixed phrases, such as Chci říct (I mean) and Chci to mít (I want to have that).

Chci is among the most frequently used Czech verbs and appears across registers, from casual conversation to media and advertising. It is also a key verb for learners because it appears early and interacts with negation (Nechci, I don’t want) and with other tenses in compound constructions.