stínu

Stínu is the genitive singular form of the Czech noun stín, which means shadow or shade. The term refers to the area not illuminated by a light source when an object blocks the light, as well as to the metaphorical sense of reduced visibility, influence, or prominence. Stín is a basic lexical item in Czech and has cognates in other Slavic languages, reflecting the shared concept of shade.

In standard Czech, stínu is used in constructions that require the genitive case and in certain fixed expressions with prepositions. Common examples include ve stínu stromů (in the shade of trees) and být ve stínu někoho (to be in someone's shadow), where the phrase conveys physical shading or a figurative sense of lesser visibility or influence. The word appears frequently in everyday speech, literature, and discourse where light, darkness, or concealment are relevant motifs.

Beyond its linguistic function, the concept of stín occupies a broader cultural role. In art and design, shading affects perception and mood; in storytelling, shadows can symbolize mystery or danger. The semantic range of stín encompasses both concrete physical phenomena and abstract metaphor, making stínu a versatile element in Czech expression.

See also: stín, which covers the base noun and its related meanings.