Language/Slovak/Vocabulary/Free-Time
As a Slovak language teacher, I always remind my students that learning a new language is not just about vocabulary and grammar. It also involves discovering a new culture and way of life. In this lesson, we will focus on free time activities, exploring what Slovaks enjoy doing in their spare time. So, grab a cup of káva (coffee) and let's begin!
Hobbies
Slovaks have a wide range of hobbies, from sports to arts and crafts. Here are some common activities:
Sports
Slovaks love sports, and football (soccer) is especially popular. Other popular sports include ice hockey, basketball, tennis, and cycling. Here is some specific vocabulary to describe these activities:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| futbal | foot-bal | football (soccer) |
| ľadový hokej | lyahdový hó-key | ice hockey |
| basketbal | basket-bal | basketball |
| tenis | ten-iss | tennis |
| cyklistika | tseek-lis-tee-kah | cycling |
Other sports-related vocabulary includes:
- plávanie (swimming)
- beh (running)
- kulturistika (bodybuilding)
- fitness (fitness)
Arts and Crafts
Slovaks are also known for their creativity and artistic abilities. Here are some popular hobbies related to arts and crafts:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| maľovanie | mah-ľoh-vah-nyeh | painting |
| kreslenie | kres-leh-nyeh | drawing |
| šitie | sheep-tee-yeh | sewing |
| háčkovanie | hahch-koh-vah-nyeh | crocheting |
| vyšívanie | vye-shih-vah-nyeh | embroidery |
Other hobbies related to arts and crafts include:
- fotografovanie (photography)
- spev (singing)
- tanec (dancing)
- divadlo (theater)
Leisure Activities
Apart from hobbies, Slovaks also enjoy various leisure activities in their free time. Here are some examples:
Going to the cinema
Slovaks love watching movies, and going to the cinema is a popular pastime. You can use these phrases when discussing movies:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| film | feelm | movie |
| herci | herr-tsee | actors |
| režisér | resh-ih-zehr | director |
| scénár | scent-haar | screenplay |
Listening to Music
Whether you prefer classical music or pop hits, listening to music is an enjoyable way to pass the time. Here are some phrases related to music:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| hudba | hoot-bah | music |
| spevák | speh-vahk | singer |
| nahrávka | na-hrahv-kah | recording |
| koncert | kon-tsehrt | concert |
Reading
Reading is a favourite hobby for many Slovaks. Here are some words and phrases to describe this activity:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| kniha | kneeh-ha | book |
| autor | ow-tor | author |
| čítanie | chee-tah-nyeh | reading |
| knižnica | kneezh-nee-tsah | library |
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have explored the world of free time activities in Slovakia, from hobbies to leisure activities. Remember, learning a new language is not only about mastering vocabulary and grammar, but also about discovering a new culture and way of life. Keep practicing, and soon, you'll be speaking Slovak like a native!