odstavec

Odstavec is the Czech and Slovak term for a paragraph, the fundamental unit of written text that expresses a single idea or a coherent part of an argument. An odstavec typically consists of one or more sentences and is visually separated from surrounding text by a line break, a blank line, or, in some traditions, indentation.

In writing, odstavec helps organize information, guide reader comprehension, and signal transitions between topics. A typical odstavec begins with a topic sentence, followed by supporting sentences that develop the idea, and sometimes concludes with a sentence that links to the next paragraph.

Typography and layout practices influence how odstavec is displayed. Historically, Czech and Slovak texts used indentation at the start of an odstavec; contemporary conventions on many platforms prefer a blank line or extra vertical space between paragraphs. Style guides may also set limits on odstavec length to improve readability.

In digital formats, a paragraph is realized as the p element in HTML or as a newline in plain text. The concept of odstavec is a basic unit of discourse in Czech grammar, interacting with sentences (věty) and other units to structure arguments and narrative flow.