Learning a new language is always a fascinating journey, and reaching the B1 level in Slovak is an impressive milestone. At this stage, you are expected to understand and use familiar everyday expressions, engage in simple and direct exchanges, and describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions. To help you along your path, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential Slovak words that are crucial for B1 level learners.
Common Nouns
Nouns are foundational in any language, and knowing the right ones can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. Here are some commonly used nouns in Slovak:
– Rodina (Family): Understanding family-related vocabulary is important as it frequently comes up in conversations. For example, otec (father), matka (mother), brat (brother), and sestra (sister).
– Dom (House): Knowing terms related to housing will help you describe your living situation. Words like izba (room), kuchyňa (kitchen), and kúpeľňa (bathroom) are essential.
– Práca (Work): Conversations about your job or profession are common. Words such as kancelária (office), kolega (colleague), and projekt (project) are useful.
– Škola (School): If you’re a student or discussing education, knowing words like učiteľ (teacher), žiak (student), and predmet (subject) will be helpful.
– Obchod (Shop): Shopping is a regular activity, so terms like potraviny (groceries), cena (price), and zľava (discount) are important.
Essential Verbs
Verbs are the action words that bring your sentences to life. Here are some crucial verbs for B1 level Slovak learners:
– Byť (To be): This is one of the most fundamental verbs in any language. For example, som (I am), si (you are), je (he/she/it is).
– Mať (To have): Another essential verb that you will use frequently. For instance, mám (I have), máš (you have), má (he/she/it has).
– Ísť (To go): Knowing how to talk about movement is crucial. For example, idem (I go), ideš (you go), ide (he/she/it goes).
– Videl (To see): This verb is useful in many contexts. For instance, vidím (I see), vidíš (you see), vidí (he/she/it sees).
– Jesť (To eat): Discussing meals and food is a common topic. For example, jem (I eat), ješ (you eat), je (he/she/it eats).
Important Adjectives
Adjectives help you describe nouns more vividly. Here are some essential adjectives to know:
– Veľký (Big): Describing size is often necessary. For instance, veľký dom (big house).
– Malý (Small): The opposite of big, also frequently used. For example, malý pes (small dog).
– Dobrý (Good): A commonly used adjective in various contexts. For instance, dobrý deň (good day).
– Zlý (Bad): Knowing how to describe something negative is also important. For example, zlý film (bad movie).
– Nový (New): This adjective is useful for describing things that are new. For instance, nové auto (new car).
Everyday Expressions
Being able to use everyday expressions can make your conversations smoother and more natural. Here are some that you should know:
– Ako sa máš? (How are you?): A common greeting and a good way to start a conversation.
– Ďakujem (Thank you): Politeness is crucial, and expressing gratitude is a part of it.
– Prosím (Please): Another important word for polite requests.
– Prepáč (Sorry): Apologizing is sometimes necessary, and this word will help you do that.
– Na zdravie! (Cheers!): Useful in social settings, especially when toasting.
Numbers and Time
Understanding numbers and how to tell time is essential for daily activities. Here are some key words and phrases:
– Jeden (One), dva (Two), tri (Three), and so on, up to desať (Ten).
– Hodina (Hour): Knowing how to tell time is crucial. For example, Je jedna hodina (It’s one o’clock).
– Minúta (Minute): Useful for more precise times. For example, päť minút (five minutes).
– Dnes (Today), zajtra (Tomorrow), včera (Yesterday): These words are essential for discussing when things happen.
– Ráno (Morning), popoludnie (Afternoon), večer (Evening), noc (Night): Knowing these will help you describe different times of the day.
Prepositions
Prepositions are small words but are very important as they show relationships between different parts of a sentence. Here are some key prepositions:
– Na (On): For example, na stole (on the table).
– V (In): For example, v dome (in the house).
– Pod (Under): For example, pod stolom (under the table).
– Pred (Before/In front of): For example, pred domom (in front of the house).
– Za (Behind): For example, za domom (behind the house).
Conjunctions
Conjunctions help you connect your thoughts and sentences more fluidly. Here are some useful ones:
– A (And): For example, ja a ty (me and you).
– Ale (But): For example, chcem ísť, ale nemôžem (I want to go, but I can’t).
– Pretože (Because): For example, idem spať, pretože som unavený (I’m going to sleep because I’m tired).
– Ak (If): For example, ak prší (if it rains).
– Keď (When): For example, keď prídem domov (when I come home).
Adverbs
Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, and they are essential for adding detail to your sentences. Here are some you should know:
– Rýchlo (Quickly): For example, bežím rýchlo (I run quickly).
– Pomaly (Slowly): For example, hovorím pomaly (I speak slowly).
– Často (Often): For example, často chodím do kina (I often go to the cinema).
– Zriedka (Rarely): For example, zriedka jeme vonku (we rarely eat out).
– Teraz (Now): For example, teraz pracujem (I am working now).
Pronouns
Pronouns are used in place of nouns to avoid repetition and simplify sentences. Here are some important Slovak pronouns:
– Ja (I): For example, ja som (I am).
– Ty (You): For example, ty si (you are).
– On (He), Ona (She), Ono (It): For example, on je (he is), ona je (she is), ono je (it is).
– My (We): For example, my sme (we are).
– Vy (You plural/formal): For example, vy ste (you are).
– Oni (They): For example, oni sú (they are).
Question Words
Asking questions is a vital part of communication. Here are some essential Slovak question words:
– Kto (Who): For example, kto to je? (Who is it?).
– Čo (What): For example, čo robíš? (What are you doing?).
– Kde (Where): For example, kde si? (Where are you?).
– Kedy (When): For example, kedy prídeš? (When will you come?).
– Prečo (Why): For example, prečo si smutný? (Why are you sad?).
Interjections
Interjections are words or phrases that express strong emotion or sudden bursts of feelings. Here are some common ones:
– Ach (Oh): Expresses surprise or realization.
– Au (Ouch): Expresses pain.
– Jasné (Sure): Shows agreement or understanding.
– Wow: Expresses amazement or admiration.
– Jéj (Yay): Expresses joy or excitement.
Common Phrases for Social Interactions
Being able to engage in social interactions is key at the B1 level. Here are some phrases that will help you navigate social settings:
– Rád ťa spoznávam (Nice to meet you): Useful for introductions.
– Čo robíš vo voľnom čase? (What do you do in your free time?): A good conversation starter.
– Aké sú tvoje záľuby? (What are your hobbies?): Helps you get to know someone better.
– Chceš ísť na kávu? (Do you want to go for a coffee?): Useful for making plans.
– Bolo to pekné stretnutie (It was nice meeting you): A polite way to end a conversation.
Words Related to Food and Drink
Discussing food and drink is a common topic in any language. Here are some essential Slovak words:
– Chlieb (Bread): A staple food item.
– Mäso (Meat): For example, kuracie mäso (chicken meat).
– Zelenina (Vegetables): For example, mrkva (carrot).
– Ovocie (Fruit): For example, jablko (apple).
– Voda (Water): Essential for any meal.
– Káva (Coffee): A popular drink.
– Čaj (Tea): Another common drink.
Travel and Transportation
If you’re traveling or commuting, these words will come in handy:
– Auto (Car): For example, šoférovať auto (to drive a car).
– Autobus (Bus): For example, čakať na autobus (to wait for the bus).
– Vlak (Train): For example, cestovať vlakom (to travel by train).
– Letisko (Airport): Useful for air travel.
– Lietadlo (Airplane): For example, letieť lietadlom (to fly by airplane).
Health and Body
Discussing health is important, especially in emergencies. Here are some useful words:
– Doktor (Doctor): For example, navštíviť doktora (to visit the doctor).
– Nemocnica (Hospital): For example, ísť do nemocnice (to go to the hospital).
– Hlavy (Head): For example, bolesť hlavy (headache).
– Ruka (Hand): For example, bolesť ruky (hand pain).
– Nohy (Legs): For example, bolesť nôh (leg pain).
Conclusion
Reaching the B1 level in Slovak is a significant achievement that opens up new opportunities for communication and understanding. By mastering these essential words and phrases, you will be well-equipped to handle everyday conversations and express yourself more clearly and confidently. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that your proficiency in Slovak will continue to grow, making your interactions even more meaningful and enjoyable. Happy learning!
