Going on a trip or planning to move for good? Questions, also known as Otázky in the Slovak language, are important in the sense that it helps in learning a new language and gives you a chance to clarify information directly with the locals.
In today’s post, we will walk you through the easiest Slovak question words and give you examples of how they can be used in real-life conversations.
What Is The Sentence Structure Of Questions In Slovak?
Máte otázku? (Got a question?) Contrary to common belief, learning about how to construct questions and using interrogative pronouns (such as Slovak pronouns) in a foreign language is critical for seeking new information, clarifying details, starting a conversation, or simply introducing yourself.
While it is true that English is also a common language in Slovakia, trying to speak with the locals using their native language will give you a better chance of being understood. Luckily, mastering it is easy since making one is similar to English!
In terms of grammar, it is important to note that there are three usual main orders: (1) the verb before the pronoun, (2) predicate before the subject, and (3) pronoun followed by the verb and subject. See the examples below:
- Máte dvadsaťjeden rokov?(Are you twenty-one years old?)
- Ako sa voláš? (What is your name?)
- Máš sa dobre? (Are you okay?)
- Máš dnes čas? (Do you have time today?)
- Má Mark dvadsaťdeväť rokov? (Is Mark twenty-nine years old?)
In order to start constructing your questions, it’s time that you memorize by heart and start learning Slovak using the basic question words first. Then, continue reading below to find out how it works.
Basic Slovak Question Words
Whether you are just planning to travel or going on a business trip, asking questions can be inevitable. The basic WH words below are used to construct questions and are used as they are in English. Listed in the table below are the Slovak translations, word functions, and example sentences.
| Slovak Word | English Translation | Function | Example Sentence | English Translation |
| Kto | Who | Asking about the subject | Kto to urobil lepšie? | Who did it better? |
| Čo | What | For information and repetition | Čo tu robíš? | What are you doing here? |
| Kde | Where | For place or position | Kde je policajná stanica? | Where is the police station? |
| Kedy | When | About time or date | Kedy máš narodeniny? | When is your birthday? |
| Prečo | Why | For reason | Kedy máš narodeniny? | Why are you sad? |
| Ktorý | Which | For choice | Ktoré z nich vás najlepšie vystihujú? | Which of these best describes you? |
| Ako | How | For condition or manner | Ako si sa sem dostal? | How did you get here? |
| Komu | Whom | Asking what or which object | Koho ste videli? | Whom did you see? |
| Čí | Whose | Asking about ownership | Čí je to peňaženka? | Whose wallet is this? |
Which of those words are you going to try including in your basic sentences? Now that we know how easy it is to use and learn Slovak questions, let’s move forward. Start learning about the other common question-based expressions that will make you sound like a total pro.
Slovak Questions When Ordering/Buying Items
In this part, we will guide you on learning basic sentences, Slovak words and phrases commonly used when you are shopping or dining at a restaurant. As a rule of thumb, please do note that there are two Slovak magic words you just never forget: Prosím (please) and Ďakujem (thank you). Read on below to find out more.
| Slovak Question | English Translation |
| Môžem vás poprosiť o menu? | Can I ask for the menu? |
| Chceli by ste si objednať? | Would you like to order? |
| Čo by ste chceli jesť? | What would you like to eat? |
| Čo ste si vybrali? | What did you choose? |
| Čo by ste chceli piť? | What would you like to drink? |
| Môžem mať … prosím? | May I have… please? |
| Čo by ste mi odporučili? | What would you recommend? |
| Je tunajšia špecialita? | What is the house specialty? |
| Aké je denné menu? | What is the daily offer? |
| Môžem zaplatiť? | Can I pay, please? |
| Môžem mať pohár …? | May I have a glass of… |
| Môžem mať fľašu …? | May I have a bottle of… |
| Môžete mi dať … | May I have some… |
| Prepáčte, čašník/čašníčka? | Excuse me, waiter/ waitress? |
| Chceli by ste… | Would you take… |
| Môžem mať tašku? | Can I have a bag? |
| Posielate do zahraničia? | Do you ship overseas? |
Slovak Questions For Emergencies
In as much as we want to make our travel go according to plan, there are still instances that we may face situations that may test us. And, of course, there is nothing more terrifying than having emergencies in a country far from home. Or, for example you are enjoying learning the popular sports in Slovakia. So, to help you get started, below are some of the most important questions you have to memorize so that you can ask and seek help from the locals.
| Slovak Question | English Translation |
| Kam ma berieš? | Where are you taking me? |
| Som zatknutý? | Am I under arrest? |
| Prečo ste ma zatkli? | Why are you arresting me? |
| Môžem hovoriť s právnikom? | Can I talk to a lawyer? |
| Kde je policajná stanica? | Where is the police station? |
| Kde je veľvyslanectvo? | Where is the Embassy? |
| Kde je nemocnica? | Where is the hospital? |
| Kde je lekáreň? | Where is the pharmacy? |
Example Of Other Slovak Questions
| Slovak Question | English Translation |
| Mȏžem ti (Vám) pomȏcť? | Can I help you? |
| Mȏžeš (Môžete) mi pomȏcť? | Can you help me? |
| Ako sa to volá? | What is this called? |
| Čo to je? | What is this? |
| Prečo je to drahé? | Why is it expensive? |
| Koľko to stojí? / koľko? | How much is this? / How many? |
| Kde bývaš? | Where do you live? |
| Kde je toaleta? | Where is the toilet? |
| Miluješ ma? | Do you love me? |
| Môžem prísť? | Can I come by? |
| Viete, ma? | Do you know me? |
| Hovoríte anglicky? | Do you speak English? |
| Koľko je hodín? | What time is it? |
| Ako ďaleko je to? | How far is this? |
| Kde je toto miesto? | Where is this place? |
Wrapping Up
Si pripravený rozprávať ako domorodec? (are you ready to speak like a native?)
As we reach this part of the post, we hope you learned all there is to know about formulating essential Slovak question words. We understand that the lesson today may appear daunting at first, especially for beginners, but we are confident that you will be able to master it with enough practice.
If you enjoyed this post, please check out our previous posts, like the colors in the Slovak language, the Slovak alphabet, and the useful words related to transportation in Slovak. On the other hand, if you seriously would like to level up your learning in the Slovak language, then read below to know more about our most recommended learning resource that is worth your time.
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