pravé

Pravý is a Czech adjective with several closely related meanings. It primarily means “right” as in the right-hand side, “correct” in the sense of truth or authenticity, or “genuine.” It contrasts with levý, meaning “left.”

In everyday use, pravý modifies nouns to indicate position, for example pravá ruka (the right hand) or pravé oko (the right eye). It also appears in phrases denoting authenticity, such as pravý význam (the true meaning) or pravý majitel (the genuine owner).

Etymology and cognates: Pravý comes from Proto-Slavic pravъ, with cognates in several Slavic languages, including Russian pravyy and Polish prawy. Related Czech words include pravda (truth) and právo (law, right), reflecting the broader semantic field around truth, legitimacy, and orientation.

Beyond adjectives, pravý is used as a surname in Czech and Slovak contexts and can appear in literary or formal names to emphasize genuineness or legitimacy. In modern Czech, pravý is often distinguished from správný; the latter more commonly denotes normative correctness or propriety, while pravý emphasizes authenticity or the true form.