chytry

Chytrý is a Czech and Slovak adjective meaning clever, smart, or sly. In neutral usage it denotes practical intelligence or quick-wittedness, as in chytrý nápad (a clever idea) or chytrý plán (a smart plan). Depending on context, it can carry a positive sense of resourcefulness or a negative sense of cunning or deceit. The term is commonly used to describe people, strategies, or solutions that work effectively.

The word has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Polish chytry and Russian хитрый (khitryy), all deriving from a common Slavic root associated with cunning or craftiness. In Czech, chytrý inflects for gender and number: masculine chytrý, feminine chytrá, neuter chytré; plural forms and other cases adapt accordingly. The adverbial form is chytrě (cleverly). Substantival nouns include chytrost (cleverness) and chytrý člověk (a smart person) in compound usage.

Usage notes: chytrý often has a favorable tone when referring to ingenuity or effective problem-solving, but can carry a sly or cunning nuance when describing deceit or manipulative tactics, for example with chytrý trik. In formal writing, speakers may opt for synonyms such as inteligentní or bystrý in contexts where a neutral or high-register meaning is desired.

See also: bystrý, šikovný, inteligentní, chytrost.