Czech: svůj versus jeho
Svůj normally refers back to the subject of the same clause. In „Tomáš hledá svůj klíč“, the key belongs to Tomáš. Jeho normally refers to another male identified in context.
| Example | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Tomáš si vzal svůj klíč. | Tomáš is both subject and owner of the key. |
| Pavel ztratil klíč. Tomáš hledá jeho klíč. | In this context, jeho refers to Pavel. |
One worked example
- Tomáš si vzal svůj klíč.Tomáš is both subject and owner of the key.
- Pavel ztratil klíč. Tomáš hledá jeho klíč.In this context, jeho refers to Pavel.
Watch out: Complex sentences and emphasis can complicate the reference; check the subject of the relevant clause.
Goal, prerequisites and card origin
What you will learn: Identify the owner from the possessive pronoun’s link to the subject.
What you need first: You can read a short Czech sentence and understand the words used here.
An original PEAZIT working card. Independent expert review and effectiveness testing have not yet taken place. · v1
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Svůj normally refers back to the subject of the same clause. In „Tomáš hledá svůj klíč“, the key belongs to Tomáš. Jeho normally refers to another male identified in context.