prosí

Prosí is a Czech verb form of the verb prosit, meaning to ask for something, to beg, or to request. The infinitive is prosit. Prosí is the present tense form used for the third person singular and, in standard usage, the third person plural as well, with the exact form sounding the same in both cases: he/she asks, they ask. This makes prosí a common way to express a polite or formal request in everyday Czech.

Usage and meaning

Prosí is typically used when someone asks for something from another person. It is often followed by the preposition o to indicate what is being requested, as in prosí o radu (he asks for advice) or prosí o pomoc (he asks for help). The nuance of prosí can convey politeness, supplication, or a formal tone, depending on context. In more casual speech, speakers may use synonyms such as žádat or požádat, but prosit remains a widely used verb in ordinary dialogue and written Czech.

Forms and related words

The verb prosit is part of a larger semantic field around asking and asking for favors. Related nouns include prosba (a request) and žádost (a formal application or request). The past tense forms are prosil (masc.), prosila (fem.), prosili (plural). The present participle is prosící (begging).

Notes

Prosí should not be confused with prosím, which is the first-person singular present form meaning “I ask” or “please,” and is also used as a standalone interjection meaning “please” or “you’re welcome” in different contexts.