tichý

Tichý is a Czech and Slovak adjective meaning silent or quiet. It can describe people, places, or sounds that are not loud or conspicuous. In usage it often conveys a sense of restraint or low noise, as in tichý člověk (a quiet person) or tiché prostředí (a quiet environment).

Etymology and cognates: The word derives from the noun ticho, meaning silence, and is cognate with similar Slavic forms such as Russian тихий (tikhiy) and Polish cichy, all meaning “silent” or “quiet.” These related terms appear across Slavic languages with parallel meanings and spellings that reflect shared roots.

Grammar and forms: As a descriptive adjective, tichý inflects for gender and number in Czech and Slovak. Common forms include tichý (masculine singular), tichá (feminine singular), and tiché (neuter singular). Plural forms align with standard Czech and Slovak adjective declension, producing forms such as tichí (masculine plural) and tiché (neuter or feminine plural) in appropriate contexts.

Surname use: Tichý is also a common Czech and Slovak surname derived from the nickname meaning “the quiet one.” It is borne by individuals in Czech and Slovak communities and appears in various professional and public life contexts. Variants with diacritics are sometimes used in different families or regions.

See also: ticho, the noun for silence, and related terms in Slavic languages.