jménem

jménem is the instrumental form of the Czech noun jméno (name) and is used in fixed constructions to express authority or representation. It roughly corresponds to the English phrases “in the name of” or “on behalf of.” In Czech, jménem is typically joined with a noun in the genitive that names the issuing or representing body, such as města, vlády, or firmy.

Grammatically, jménem functions as a wrapper that marks the agent acting with the authority of the named entity. It is common in official, legal, and formal political language, where actions or statements are attributed to an organization or government body rather than to an individual. The construction is often followed by a verb in the third person or by a declarative clause that states the action being performed.

Common usage patterns include phrases like jménem vlády or jménem města, and, in everyday formal speech, sentences such as Podepisuje smlouvu jménem firmy ABC or Prohlášení bylo učiněno jménem státu. Because the phrase conveys delegated authority, it is usually used when the speaker or writer acts as a representative rather than in a personal capacity.

Related terms include phrases that express representation more indirectly, such as “v zastoupení” (on behalf of) or “převzatím” in particular contexts. The choice between jménem and alternatives depends on formality, context, and the exact sense of representation intended.

See also: in other languages, expressions meaning “in the name of” or “on behalf of,” and discussions of instrumental constructions in Slavic grammar.