Learning a new language opens up a world of new experiences, perspectives, and expressions. The Czech language, with its unique charm and Slavic roots, is no exception. When learning Czech, one of the most practical aspects to understand is how to express time. Here are some key expressions of time in Czech, which will help you convey when something happened, is happening, or will happen.

Teď
This word means “now” or “currently”. It’s used to refer to the immediate present time.

Teď studuji češtinu. – I am studying Czech now.

Právě
Similar to “teď”, “právě” means “right now” or “just” in the sense of something happening at this very moment.

Právě jí večeři. – He is eating dinner right now.

Potom
This term translates to “afterward” or “then”. It’s used to indicate an action that will follow another action.

Nejdřív udělej úkol, potom můžeš sledovat televizi. – First do your homework, then you can watch TV.

Dříve
“Dříve” means “earlier” or “before”. It’s used to reference a time earlier than the present or another specified time.

Dříve jsem vstávala velmi brzy. – I used to get up very early.

Později
Opposite to “dříve”, “později” means “later”. This word refers to a time that is after the present or after another specified time.

Zavolám ti později. – I will call you later.

Brzy
“Brzy” stands for “soon” or “shortly”. It indicates that something is expected to happen not long after the current time.

Brzy bude léto. – Summer will be here soon.

Okamžitě
Meaning “immediately” or “straight away”, “okamžitě” is used when there is no delay between now and the action.

Okamžitě opusť místnost! – Leave the room immediately!

Nikdy
Meaning “never”, “nikdy” is a definite expression for something that does not happen at any time.

Nikdy jsem nenavštívil Prahu. – I have never visited Prague.

Vždy
Translated as “always”, “vždy” is used to describe an action that occurs at all times.

Vždy rád pomáhám svým přátelům. – I always like to help my friends.

Často
“Často” means “often”. This term indicates that something happens many times or frequently.

Často chodím do kina. – I often go to the cinema.

Někdy
“Někdy” translates to “sometimes”. It is used when an action occurs at some times, but not always.

Někdy jsem líný. – Sometimes I am lazy.

Občas
This term, meaning “occasionally”, talks about something that happens from time to time, but not regularly.

Občas si rád přečtu dobrou knihu. – Occasionally I like to read a good book.

Zřídka
Meaning “rarely”, “zřídka” implies that something happens not often or seldom.

Zřídka se vídáme s kamarády z dětství. – We rarely see our childhood friends.

Včera
Referring to “yesterday”, “včera” denotes the day before the current day.

Včera jsem byl v kině. – I was at the cinema yesterday.

Dnes
“Dnes” means “today”. It marks the present day.

Dnes je hezké počasí. – The weather is nice today.

Zítra
The word for “tomorrow”, “zítra” is used to talk about the day after the current day.

Zítra půjdeme na výlet. – We will go on a trip tomorrow.

Understanding these expressions of time in Czech will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively while discussing past, present, or future events. Immerse yourself in the language, practice frequently, and don’t hesitate to use these expressions as often as possible to master the beautiful and complex Czech time phrases. Hodně štěstí! (Good luck!)