Learning a new language is an exciting journey, and understanding key concepts such as “open” and “closed” can be incredibly useful. In Czech, these words are translated as otevřený and zavřený, respectively. This article will delve into these terms, providing definitions and examples to help you grasp their usage in various contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your Czech, this guide will offer valuable insights.

Basic Definitions

Otevřený – This word means “open” in English. It can describe anything from a door to a person’s attitude or a business that is operating.

Dveře jsou otevřené.
(The door is open.)

Zavřený – This term translates to “closed” in English. It is used to describe things that are shut, such as doors, stores, or even concepts like closed societies.

Obchod je zavřený.
(The store is closed.)

Describing Physical States

Dveře – This word means “door.” It’s a common noun you’ll encounter frequently.

Dveře jsou zavřené.
(The door is closed.)

Okno – This translates to “window.”

Okno je otevřené.
(The window is open.)

Brána – This means “gate.”

Brána je zavřená.
(The gate is closed.)

Places and Businesses

Obchod – The word for “store” or “shop.”

Obchod je otevřený celý den.
(The store is open all day.)

Restaurace – This means “restaurant.”

Restaurace je zavřená v pondělí.
(The restaurant is closed on Monday.)

Kancelář – This translates to “office.”

Kancelář je otevřená od devíti do pěti.
(The office is open from nine to five.)

Abstract and Figurative Uses

Mysl – This means “mind.”

Má otevřenou mysl k novým nápadům.
(He has an open mind to new ideas.)

Postoj – This translates to “attitude.”

Její postoj je zavřený ke změnám.
(Her attitude is closed to changes.)

Společnost – This means “society.”

Naše společnost je otevřená novým kulturám.
(Our society is open to new cultures.)

Combination with Other Words

Otevřený prostor – This phrase means “open space.”

Miluje otevřený prostor v přírodě.
(He loves open space in nature.)

Zavřený kruh – This translates to “closed circle.”

Je členem zavřeného kruhu.
(He is a member of a closed circle.)

Otevřený případ – This means “open case.”

Policie má otevřený případ.
(The police have an open case.)

Zavřený účet – This translates to “closed account.”

Zavřel jsem svůj účet.
(I closed my account.)

Emotional and Social Contexts

Srdce – This means “heart.”

Má otevřené srdce pro všechny.
(She has an open heart for everyone.)

Skupina – This translates to “group.”

Skupina byla zavřená pro nové členy.
(The group was closed to new members.)

Komunikace – This means “communication.”

Musíme mít otevřenou komunikaci.
(We need to have open communication.)

Diskuse – This translates to “discussion.”

Diskuse byla zavřená.
(The discussion was closed.)

Using Adjectives in Sentences

When using adjectives like otevřený and zavřený in sentences, it’s crucial to match the gender and number of the nouns they describe. Czech is a gendered language, and adjectives must agree with the nouns in gender, number, and case.

For masculine nouns:
Otevřený – masculine singular
Ten obchod je otevřený.
(That store is open.)

Zavřený – masculine singular
Ten obchod je zavřený.
(That store is closed.)

For feminine nouns:
Otevřená – feminine singular
Ta restaurace je otevřená.
(That restaurant is open.)

Zavřená – feminine singular
Ta restaurace je zavřená.
(That restaurant is closed.)

For neuter nouns:
Otevřené – neuter singular
To okno je otevřené.
(That window is open.)

Zavřené – neuter singular
To okno je zavřené.
(That window is closed.)

Practice and Usage

To master the use of otevřený and zavřený, practice by describing various objects and situations around you. Use both physical and abstract contexts to deepen your understanding.

Here are some more practice sentences:

Škola – This means “school.”

Škola je otevřená od září do června.
(The school is open from September to June.)

Park – This translates to “park.”

Park je zavřený v noci.
(The park is closed at night.)

Pošta – This means “post office.”

Pošta je otevřená v sobotu dopoledne.
(The post office is open on Saturday morning.)

Bank – This translates to “bank.”

Bank je zavřený o víkendu.
(The bank is closed on the weekend.)

Divadlo – This means “theater.”

Divadlo je otevřené na nové představení.
(The theater is open for a new show.)

Úřad – This translates to “office” or “bureau.”

Úřad je zavřený během svátků.
(The office is closed during the holidays.)

Galerie – This means “gallery.”

Galerie je otevřená pro veřejnost.
(The gallery is open to the public.)

Knihovna – This translates to “library.”

Knihovna je zavřená na údržbu.
(The library is closed for maintenance.)

Conclusion

Understanding the concepts of otevřený and zavřený in Czech is more than just knowing their translations. It’s about being able to apply these terms in various contexts, from describing physical states to abstract ideas and feelings. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll find these terms naturally fitting into your Czech conversations. Happy learning!