odvahu

Odvahu is the accusative singular form of the Czech noun odvaha, which means courage or bravery. It is used as the direct object of verbs and expressions that involve bravery, such as “potřebuji odvahu” (I need courage) or “projevila odvahu při záchraně” (she showed courage during the rescue). The concept covers mental and moral strength to face danger, risk, or difficult decisions, and it remains a common theme in Czech literature and public discourse.

Etymology: The noun odvaha is derived from the verb odvážit se, meaning “to dare.” The noun is formed with a productive Slavic suffix and is cognate with related terms in other Slavic languages, for example Polish odwaga and Russian otvaga, all sharing a common root related to daring or valor.

Usage and notes: In modern Czech, odvahu appears in many idioms and phrases spanning personal development to collective action. The form odvahu is the accusative singular, used when courage is the object of an action, as in “získat odvahu” (to gain courage) or “projevit odvahu” (to show courage). The term denotes both individual virtue and a quality valued in groups or institutions, such as in discussions of leadership, risk-taking, or moral choice. See also odvaha and related verbs such as odvážit se.