How to Identify This Pattern
Nouns ending in -a in nominative singular. This is the largest and most regular feminine pattern.
Ending Pattern
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nom(Nominative) | -a | -y |
| Gen(Genitive) | -y | -∅ |
| Acc(Accusative) | -u | -y |
| Dat(Dative) | -ě/-e | -ám |
Model word: žena
Why This Pattern Matters
The -a → -u accusative change is one of the first patterns learners encounter. Once you master it, you can correctly use hundreds of common nouns. The empty genitive plural (-∅) is also distinctive.
Common Mistakes
Using -u in genitive instead of -y. 'From the woman' is 'od ženy', not *'od ženu'. Remember: -u is accusative, -y is genitive.
Example Nouns
žena
woman/wife
Nom
žena
Gen
ženy
kniha
book
Nom
kniha
Gen
knihy
Note: Dative singular has consonant change: h → z
škola
school
Nom
škola
Gen
školy
sestra
sister
Nom
sestra
Gen
sestry
voda
water
Nom
voda
Gen
vody
Full Declension Tables
žena(woman/wife)Feminine
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nom(Nominative) | žena | ženy |
| Gen(Genitive) | ženy | žen |
| Acc(Accusative) | ženu | ženy |
| Dat(Dative) | ženě | ženám |
kniha(book)Feminine
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nom(Nominative) | kniha | knihy |
| Gen(Genitive) | knihy | knih |
| Acc(Accusative) | knihu | knihy |
| Dat(Dative) | knize | knihám |
Note: Dative singular has consonant change: h → z
škola(school)Feminine
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nom(Nominative) | škola | školy |
| Gen(Genitive) | školy | škol |
| Acc(Accusative) | školu | školy |
| Dat(Dative) | škole | školám |