jakkoli

Concessive Jakkoli

Level 6

Jakkoli (and its variant jakkoliv) is an advanced word with two main uses: as a formal conjunction meaning no matter how or however much, and as an adverb meaning in any way or to whatever degree.

How It Works

1. Concessive Conjunction (Formal)
When used to connect clauses, jakkoli means no matter how, however much, or although. It introduces a subordinate clause and is considered elevated and literary (knižní). In everyday speech, native speakers prefer i když or přestože.

2. Indefinite Adverb (Standard/Formal)
As an adverb, it means in any way or however, and attaches directly to verbs, adjectives, or adverbs (e.g., Rozhodni se jakkoli - Decide however you want; jakkoli obtížný - however difficult). Like its conjunction form, this usage leans formal and standard.

Crucial Distinctions:

  • Jakkoli vs. Ačkoli: Both are concessive and can be used as formal synonyms meaning although. While jakkoli can emphasize degree (no matter how...), it does not strictly require an extreme degree and often simply means although.
  • The "However" Trap: English speakers often mistakenly use jakkoli at the start of a standalone sentence to mean However, ... (as a contrastive adverb). This is grammatically incorrect in Czech. You must use words like nicméně or však for that purpose.
  • Negative Sentences: When meaning in any way in a negative sentence, nijak is standard for everyday speech (e.g., Nechci tě nijak ovlivňovat.). However, jakkoli is also perfectly grammatical and frequently used in formal or emphatic contexts (e.g., Nechci to jakkoli komentovat.).
  • Spelling and Punctuation: Always write it with a double -kk-. When it introduces a subordinate clause, use a comma. When it modifies an adjective within a single clause, do not use a comma, UNLESS it forms an inserted concessive phrase (apposition) without a verb (e.g., Každá otázka, jakkoli nepodstatná, bude zodpovězena.), which must be set off by commas.

Examples (4)

  1. Jakkoliv se snažil obhajovat svoji verzi událostí, nikdo mu nevěřil.

    However much he tried to defend his version of events, no one believed him.

    Word by Word: However-much reflexive he-tried to-defend his version of-events, no-one him believed.

    Used as a formal concessive conjunction. Notice the variant 'jakkoliv' is used here, which is perfectly synonymous with 'jakkoli'.

  2. Ať už to dopadne jakkoli, bude to úspěch.

    However it turns out, it will be a success.

    Word by Word: Let already it turns-out however, will-be it success.

    Used as an adverb of manner meaning 'in whatever way'. Note that this usage remains standard and slightly formal, rather than purely colloquial.

  3. I kdyby to mělo dopadnout jakkoli špatně, nevzdám se.

    No matter how badly it might turn out, I won't give up.

    Word by Word: Even if it had to-turn-out however badly, I-will-not-give-up reflexive.

    Here, 'jakkoli' directly modifies the adverb 'špatně' (badly). No comma is placed before 'jakkoli' because it does not introduce a new clause or act as an apposition.

  4. Jakkoli je ten plán riskantní, musíme ho vyzkoušet.

    No matter how risky the plan is, we have to try it.

    Word by Word: However is that plan risky, we-must him to-try.

    A classic concessive clause. A comma separates the subordinate clause from the main clause.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'jakkoli' as a standalone 'However' to start a contrasting sentence.

    Bylo to těžké. Jakkoli, zvládli jsme to.
    Bylo to těžké. Nicméně jsme to zvládli.

    English speakers frequently confuse 'jakkoli' with the contrastive adverb 'however' (nevertheless). 'Jakkoli' cannot start a standalone sentence to introduce a contrast; it must introduce a subordinate clause or modify an adjective/adverb. Use 'nicméně' or 'však' instead.

  • Spelling the word with a single 'k'.

    Jakoliv se snažil, nešlo to.
    Jakkoli se snažil, nešlo to.

    Because the word is a compound of 'jak' (how) and the particle '-koli' (any/ever), the double '-kk-' is strictly required.

  • Omitting commas around an inserted concessive phrase (apposition).

    Každá otázka jakkoli nepodstatná bude zodpovězena.
    Každá otázka, jakkoli nepodstatná, bude zodpovězena.

    When 'jakkoli' plus an adjective is used as an inserted concessive phrase without a verb, it acts as an apposition and MUST be set off by commas. Commas are only omitted when it directly modifies an adjective in a standard noun phrase (e.g., 'je to jakkoli obtížný úkol').

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

jakkoliLevel 6Concessive Jakkoli

Learn This First

To understand 'jakkoli', a learner needs to be familiar with the basic adverb 'jak' (how) from which it is formed. Additionally, they should understand the concept of concessive clauses (expressing 'no matter how' or 'although') and how adverbs are used to modify adjectives and other adverbs in complex sentences.

Words in This Pattern

jakkoli