vám

Vám is the dative form of the second-person pronoun vy in Czech. It is used to indicate the indirect object or the recipient of an action, and it covers both polite singular address and plural address.

In Czech pronouns are declined by case. The nominative is vy; the dative is vám; the accusative and genitive are vás; the instrumental is vámi. The form vám is therefore used when you are the recipient of the verb’s action or when the verb governs a dative object, as in requests, favors, or communications. It also appears after prepositions that govern the dative, such as k vám (to you).

Usage notes: vámi is the instrumental form of vy and is used after the preposition s (with you). For example, Se mnou a s vámi means with me and with you. The difference between vám and vás is important: vám marks the indirect object (dative), while vás marks the direct object or genitive in other contexts. Context and the governing verb determine which form is appropriate.

Common examples include Můžu vám pomoct? (Can I help you?), Děkuji vám za spolupráci. (Thank you for your cooperation.), Řeknu to vám hned. (I’ll tell you that to you right away.), and Ta odpověď patří vám. (That answer belongs to you.)

Etymology and related forms: vál form vám originates from vy with a dative ending. Related forms include vás (accusative/genitive) and vámi (instrumental). The use of vy/vám reflects Czech politeness and number, aligning singular polite address with plural or respectful address in formal contexts.