Language/Slovak/Grammar/The-Imperfective-and-Perfective
As a Slovak language teacher, I have often found that students struggle with understanding the two aspects of Slovak verbs: the imperfective and perfective. However, once these concepts are grasped, they can greatly improve your Slovak language skills. In this lesson, we will explore these two aspects in depth and learn when to use them.
Understanding Verbal Aspects
First, it is important to understand what we mean by "verbal aspect." An aspect refers to how the verb action is viewed in relation to time, rather than to the actual time itself. In Slovak, we use two aspects: the imperfective and perfective.
The imperfective aspect refers to ongoing, incomplete or habitual actions. It does not specify whether the action is completed or not. Think of it as a struggle or a process of a verb.
On the other hand, the perfective aspect refers to completed, finished or single actions. Think of it as a perfect finished process, without any complications.
Examples of Verbal Aspects
Let's explore some examples to better understand the two aspects of Slovak verbs:
Imperfective
The Slovak verb "čítať," or "to read," is an example of the imperfective aspect. It refers to ongoing or incomplete reading, such as "reading a book" or "reading newspapers."
Here is a table to help you understand the usage:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| čítam | CHI-tam | I am reading |
| čítajú | CHI-ta-yu | They are reading |
| čítame | CHI-ta-me | We are reading |
Other examples of imperfective verbs in Slovak are:
- hovoriť (to talk)
- jesť (to eat)
- pozerať sa (to look)
Perfective
The Slovak verb "prečítať," or "to read through," is an example of the perfective aspect. It refers to a completed or finished action, such as "having read a book" or "having read newspapers."
Here is a table to help you understand the usage:
| Slovak | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| prečítal som | preh-CHI-tal som | I have read through |
| prečítali sme | preh-CHI-ta-li sme | We have read through |
| prečítali ste | preh-CHI-ta-li ste | You (plural) have read through |
Other examples of perfective verbs in Slovak are:
- zjesť (to eat up)
- rozpovedať (to tell completely)
- pozrieť sa (to completely look / watched thoroughly)
When to Use Imperfective and Perfective
The usage of verbal aspects can be tricky at first, but with practice you will begin to distinguish between the two more easily. Here are some quick tips on when to use the imperfective and perfective:
Imperfective
- ongoing or incomplete actions
- habitual actions
- repeated actions
- duration of an action
- imperatives
Here are some examples:
- Čítam knihu. (I am reading a book.) - ongoing action
- Každý deň cvičím. (I exercise every day.) - habitual action
- Chodieval som cez most každý deň. (I used to walk across the bridge every day.) - repeated past action
- Piatok trvá tri dni. (Friday lasts for three days.) - duration of the action
- Čítaj knihu! (Read the book!) - imperative for an ongoing action
Perfective
- complete, finished or single actions
- completed actions
- the beginning or end of a process/action
- expressing new information
Here are some examples:
- Prečítal som knihu. (I have finished reading a book.) - completed action
- Zjedol som koláčik. (I have eaten a small cake.) - completed single action
- Začal som písať knihu. (I have started writing a book.) - the beginning of the process
- Dokončil som písanie knihy. (I have finished writing my book.) - the end of the process
- Kúpil som si nový mobil. (I have bought a new phone. )- expressing new information
Conclusion
By understanding the imperfective and perfective aspects of Slovak verbs, you will be better equipped to speak the language with accuracy and fluency. It may take time and practice to master, but with determination and perseverance you will be on your way to becoming a proficient speaker of Slovak. Remember to use the correct aspect depending on the context and meaning you want to convey.
Practice the examples above and you will find that, with practice, you will master these two complexities of Slovak language learning.