úzký

úzký is a Czech adjective meaning narrow or tight in width, as well as figuratively restricted or limited. It can describe physical dimensions, such as a narrow street (úzká ulička) or a tight fit (úzký prostor), and it is also used in metaphorical constructions to denote limited possibilities, close confines, or restricted scope (úzký výběr, úzké možnosti).

Etymology and cognates: úzký derives from the Proto-Slavic root uzk- meaning narrow. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Russian uzkiy (узкий) and Polish wąski, reflecting a common Indo-European heritage for the sense of narrowness.

Morphology and usage: úzký is the head form of the adjective and inflects like other Czech adjectives. In the singular it appears as úzký (masculine), úzká (feminine), and úzké (neuter). In plural, forms vary by gender and case (e.g., nominative úzkí for masculine animate, úzké for other genders in some cases). Like related adjectives, it agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case and can take comparative and superlative forms: užší (more narrow) and nejužší or nejúžší (narrowest), with choice varying by style and region.

Common usage and nuances: úzký often conveys physical tightness or restricted space, but it also appears in figurative expressions to denote limited options, close proximity, or intimate relation in certain contexts (úzké vztahy, úzký kruh). It is typical to pair úzký with nouns describing space, paths, passages, or ranges, and with synomy like těsný or stísněný when appropriate.

Pronunciation: úzký is pronounced approximately as [ˈuzkɪ], with the first syllable stressed.