mnohý

Mnohá is a feminine singular form of the Czech adjective meaning “many” or “numerous.” It is used mainly in literary or formal language to express the sense of “many a …” before a singular feminine noun. In this use, the phrase denotes a large number of individuals treated individually rather than as a single plural group.

Etymology and register: Mnohá derives from the older form mnohý, related to Proto-Slavic roots for “many.” Today it is considered archaic or stylistically marked in Czech. In contemporary speech and standard prose, speakers more often use the neutral form mnoho or the feminine plural form 'mnohé' when referring to multiple feminine nouns. The choice of mnohá signals a particular rhetorical or poetic effect, emphasizing each individual item within a larger set.

Usage notes: The word typically precedes a feminine singular noun, and the accompanying verb is conjugated in the singular to match that noun. Its usage is most common in poetry, historical writing, or other contexts where a more ceremonial or elevated tone is desired. In everyday language, many speakers would prefer more common constructions such as mnoho žen (many women) or mnohé ženy (many women, in plural).

Examples:

- Mnohá žena přišla na večírek. — Many a woman came to the party.

- Mnohá žena vyprávěla svůj příběh. — Many a woman told her story.

See also: mnogý, mnoho, mnohé (related forms in Czech), many-a constructions in other languages.