zájmenko

Zájmenko is a term used in some Slovak-language didactic grammars to denote the class of words known in standard linguistics as pronouns (zájmeno). It is an informal or pedagogical label rather than a formal linguistic category, and its use varies by author and educational tradition. The form is a diminutive built from zámeno, reflecting its role in teaching beginners about pronouns as a distinct word class.

In practice, zajmenko covers the same subtypes as the conventional term zámeno. This includes personal pronouns (ja, ty, on, ona, my, vy), possessive pronouns (môj, tvoj, jeho, náš, váš), demonstrative pronouns (tento, tamten, taký), interrogative pronouns (kto, čo), relative pronouns (ktorý, ktorýže), and reflexive pronouns (seba, sám). Some descriptions may also mention reciprocals or other reflexive forms, depending on the language variant being taught.

Usage and context. Zájmenko commonly appears in school grammars, language primers, and educational materials aimed at children or beginner learners. In formal linguistic descriptions and broader grammars, the standard term zámeno is typically preferred. The zajmenko label can aid early understanding by presenting pronouns as a small, identifiable word-cluster before introducing more technical terminology.

See also. Zájmeno; pronouns in Slovak grammar; language education terminology.