Language/Slovak/Grammar/Adjectives
Hi Slovak learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on Slovak adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe nouns or pronouns. They come before the noun or pronoun they modify and agree in number, gender, and case. Without proper use of adjectives, you cannot communicate ideas and concepts accurately. So, to enhance your understanding of the Slovak language, let's dive into the world of adjectives!
Basic rules
In Slovak, adjectives have different forms depending on the gender of the noun they modify. There are three genders in Slovak: masculine, feminine, and neuter. The adjective endings vary depending on the gender and the case that the noun is in.
For masculine nouns, you need to pay attention to the ending of the noun. If the noun ends with a consonant or -a, you use the endings -ý or -í, respectively. If the noun ends with the vowel -o, -u, or -ä, you use the ending -í.
Example:
Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
modrý dom | mod-ri dom | blue house (masculine) |
tichý muž | ti-chy muzh | quiet man (masculine) |
For feminine nouns, the adjective endings are -á for the nominative, accusative, and vocative cases, and -ej for the genitive, dative, and locative cases.
Example:
Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
zelená rieka | zeh-leh-na ryeh-ka | green river (feminine) |
veľká kniha | vel-ka kni-ha | big book (feminine) |
For neuter nouns, the adjectives have the same ending in all cases, which is -é.
Example:
Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
čisté okno | chis-teh ok-no | clean window (neuter) |
krásne dievča | krash-ne diev-cha | beautiful girl (neuter) |
Comparison of adjectives
Just like in English, adjectives in Slovak have different forms to express comparison. There are three degrees of comparison: positive (the base form), comparative (used to compare two or more things), and superlative (used to compare one thing to all others). You can create comparatives by adding -ší to the adjective, and superlatives by adding -najši.
Example:
Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
rýchly | ri-chli | fast (positive) |
rýchlejší | ri-chlej-shi | faster (comparative) |
najrýchlejší | naj-ri-chlej-shi | fastest (superlative) |
Position of adjectives in a sentence
In Slovak, adjectives usually come before the noun they modify. However, they can also appear after the noun in a formal or poetic context.
Example:
- The big dog can be translated into veľký pes or pes veľký
Dialogue
Here are a few examples of how you can use adjectives in a conversation:
- Person 1: Tento tanec bol nádherný! (This dance was beautiful!)
- Person 2: Áno, a choreografia bola vynikajúca. (Yes, and the choreography was excellent.)
- Person 1: Rozprávaš pomaly. (You speak slowly.)
- Person 2: Prepáč, ale som nervózny. (I'm sorry, I'm just nervous.)
Conclusion
Adjectives are an essential part of Slovak grammar. With this knowledge, you can convey ideas and feelings accurately in Slovak. Remember to use the correct forms of adjectives based on the noun gender and case, and to modify them accordingly to express comparison. Also, don't forget to practice with native speakers on Polyglot Club by finding them and asking them any questions you have.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Related Lessons
- How to Use Be
- Pronouns
- Questions
- Plurals
- Nouns
- Conditional Mood
- Give your Opinion
- How to Use Have
- Negation
Sources
- Slovak declension - Wikipedia
- Lesson 2 Grammar: Adjectives and Genders - Slovak language ...
- Lexicalization after grammaticalization in the development of Slovak ...