Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging journey. Slovak, a beautiful Slavic language, offers its own set of unique linguistic features. One of the interesting aspects of Slovak is the usage of words that indicate frequency, such as “never” and “always.” These words, **nikdy** and **vždy** in Slovak, are essential for expressing how often actions occur. In this article, we will delve into the meanings, usages, and nuances of these words, providing you with a solid understanding to enhance your Slovak language skills.

Understanding “Nikdy”

Nikdy is the Slovak word for “never.” It is used to indicate that something does not happen at any time or under any circumstances.

Nikdy nechodím do kina.
I never go to the cinema.

### Usage of “Nikdy”

Nikdy is typically used in negative sentences to emphasize the absence of an action or event. It is important to note that in Slovak, double negatives are often used, meaning that a negative verb form is used together with **nikdy**.

Nikdy som to nevidel.
I have never seen it.

Understanding “Vždy”

Vždy is the Slovak word for “always.” It is used to indicate that something happens all the time or at every instance.

Vždy ráno pijem kávu.
I always drink coffee in the morning.

### Usage of “Vždy”

Vždy is generally used in positive sentences to emphasize the regularity or consistency of an action or event.

Vždy si umývam ruky pred jedlom.
I always wash my hands before eating.

Comparing “Nikdy” and “Vždy”

### Sentence Structure

When using nikdy, the sentence structure typically involves a negative verb form. On the other hand, when using vždy, the verb form is generally positive.

Nikdy nechodím neskoro.
I never arrive late.

Vždy prídem načas.
I always arrive on time.

### Emphasis

Using nikdy puts a strong emphasis on the fact that an action does not happen at all. In contrast, vždy emphasizes that an action happens consistently without exception.

Common Expressions with “Nikdy” and “Vždy”

### Expressions with “Nikdy”

nikdy viac
never again

Nikdy viac tam nepôjdem.
I will never go there again.

nikdy v živote
never in my life

Nikdy v živote som to neskúsil.
I have never tried that in my life.

### Expressions with “Vždy”

vždy a všade
always and everywhere

Vždy a všade nosím svoj mobil.
I always carry my phone everywhere.

vždy pripravený
always ready

Som vždy pripravený pomôcť.
I am always ready to help.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of **nikdy** and **vždy**, try translating the following sentences into Slovak:

1. I never eat breakfast.
2. She always smiles.
3. They never travel by plane.
4. We always celebrate holidays together.
5. He never drinks coffee.

### Answers

1. Nikdy nejem raňajky.
2. Ona sa vždy usmieva.
3. Nikdy necestujú lietadlom.
4. Vždy oslavujeme sviatky spolu.
5. On nikdy nepije kávu.

Additional Vocabulary

To further enhance your understanding, here are some additional Slovak words that relate to frequency and time:

často
often

Často chodím do parku.
I often go to the park.

zriedka
rarely

Zriedka pozerám televíziu.
I rarely watch TV.

občas
sometimes

Občas si dám čokoládu.
Sometimes I have chocolate.

nikdy
never

Nikdy nefajčím.
I never smoke.

vždy
always

Vždy si vezmem dáždnik, keď prší.
I always take an umbrella when it rains.

Conclusion

Mastering the usage of **nikdy** (never) and **vždy** (always) is a crucial step in becoming proficient in Slovak. These words help convey the frequency of actions and are essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding their meanings, nuances, and common expressions, you can enhance your ability to express yourself in Slovak accurately.

Remember that practice is key to mastering any language. Use these words in your daily conversations, try to spot them in written and spoken Slovak, and soon you will find yourself using them naturally and confidently. Happy learning!