jestli

Jestli is a Czech word that functions primarily as a conjunction. It is most commonly translated into English as "if" or "whether." It introduces a conditional clause, indicating a situation that depends on a certain circumstance. For example, "Jestli přijdeš, budu šťastný" translates to "If you come, I will be happy."

The word "jestli" can also be used to introduce indirect questions. In this context, it serves a similar purpose to "if" or "whether" in English. For instance, "Nevím, jestli to udělá" means "I don't know if he will do it." This usage highlights uncertainty or a lack of knowledge about a particular outcome or fact.

While "jestli" is the most common word for "if" in modern Czech, older forms or more formal contexts might occasionally use "kdyby," though "kdyby" typically implies a hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situation. "Jestli" is generally more straightforward in its conditional or interrogative function. Its prevalence in everyday speech makes it a fundamental word for expressing conditions and indirect questions in the Czech language.