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- "Ne, já jsem Žofie."
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The forms of "to be": "jsem", "jsi", "jsme", "jste" and "jsou" are all always pronounced with a silent "j", this is the only correct way to pronounce them.
This is pretty much a rare exception, Czech spelling/pronunciation is otherwise very regular and sticks to its rules.
Note that when you add the negative prefix "ne-", the "j" IS pronounced ("nejsem", "nejsi"...)
That is not really true. The j is often/sometimes pronounced, even if a weakened one http://nase-rec.ujc.cas.cz/archiv.php?art=4491 .
Or if you mind the age of that article https://svetmluvenehoslova.cz/jak-nechybovat-ve-vyslovnosti-cestiny/
"slabená výslovnost se může zachovat po samohlásce (kteří jsou nejdůležitější, byla jsem) a na začátku věty (Jsem rád).
Výslovnost souhlásky j se zachovává, pokud je sloveso být plnovýznamové, zvláště je-li na něm důraz. I v tomto případě vyslovujeme ale raději jen oslabené j (Myslím, tedy jsem)."
You're right. I simplified it, because even in situations where the /j/ is pronounced, it's not recommended to pronounce it fully. Overpronouncing it often sounds unnatural and/or silly, while omitting it never sounds like a mistake. That's why I believe it's safer for learners to learn that it's simply silent.