هذه الصفحة بلغتك

English

فارسی

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 adjective 14 دقيقة للقراءة

zlý

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح zlý في 30 ثانية

الشرح zlý in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'zlý' is introduced as one of the most basic adjectives to describe character and behavior. You will primarily learn it in its masculine form 'zlý', feminine 'zlá', and neuter 'zlé'. At this stage, you should focus on its most common use cases: describing a 'mean' person or an 'aggressive' dog. You will see it on signs like 'Pozor, zlý pes!' (Beware of the dog). You should also learn it as the direct opposite of 'hodný' (kind) and 'dobrý' (good). For example, in simple sentences like 'Ten kluk je zlý' (That boy is mean) or 'To je zlá kočka' (That is a mean cat). You will also encounter it in the context of 'zlý sen' (a bad dream). At A1, the goal is to understand that 'zlý' refers to character or intent, rather than just quality. You should begin to notice how the ending of the word changes depending on whether the noun is a man, a woman, or an object/child. It is a 'hard' adjective, meaning it follows the most standard declension pattern in Czech. This makes it an excellent word for practicing your first steps into Czech grammar. Don't worry about the complex cases yet; just focus on the nominative (subject) forms. Remember, if you want to say something is 'bad' as in 'not good quality', you should start using 'špatný' instead, though teachers at A1 are often lenient with this distinction. By the end of A1, you should be able to identify 'zlý' in simple stories and use it to describe basic personality traits in your own simple sentences.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'zlý' into more varied contexts and start using it in different grammatical cases. You will move beyond simple descriptions and start using it in phrases like 'zlá zpráva' (bad news) or 'zlé časy' (bad times). You should also become more comfortable with the plural forms: 'zlí lidé' (evil people) and 'zlé věci' (bad things). At this level, the distinction between 'zlý' (evil/mean) and 'špatný' (bad/incorrect) becomes more important. You should practice using 'špatný' for things like 'špatné počasí' (bad weather) and 'zlý' for things like 'zlý člověk' (a mean person). You will also encounter the adverb 'zle', often in the context of health: 'Je mi zle' (I feel sick/bad). This is a very common expression that you should memorize. You'll also start to see 'zlý' in simple fairy tales, where it describes the 'zlá macecha' (evil stepmother) or the 'zlý vlk' (big bad wolf). At A2, you should be able to decline 'zlý' in the most common cases, such as the accusative (e.g., 'Vidím zlého psa') and the dative (e.g., 'Dám to tomu zlému psovi'). You are building a more nuanced understanding of how this word functions as a building block for describing the world around you, especially the negative aspects of it. You might also learn the noun 'zlo' (evil) in simple contexts like 'boj dobra a zla' (the fight between good and evil).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

By the B1 level, your understanding of 'zlý' should be quite solid, and you should be using it with greater precision. You will start to recognize it in more abstract and idiomatic expressions. For example, 'mít zlou krev' (to have bad blood/animosity) or 'v dobrém i zlém' (in good times and bad). You should also be aware of the comparative and superlative forms. Crucially, you must know that 'zlý' does not have its own comparative; it shares 'horší' (worse) and 'nejhorší' (worst) with 'špatný'. This is a key grammatical realization at this level. You will also start to see 'zlý' used in more formal or literary contexts, such as news reports discussing 'zlé úmysly' (malicious intentions) or 'zlá situace' (a dire situation). Your ability to distinguish 'zlý' from synonyms like 'podlý' (despicable) or 'krutý' (cruel) should begin to develop. You might use 'zlý' to describe a boss who is unkind, but 'krutý' to describe a dictator. At B1, you are expected to handle the full declension of 'zlý' in all seven cases without much hesitation. You should also be able to use the adverb 'zle' in more complex ways, such as 'dopadnout zle' (to end up badly/tragically). This level marks the transition from using 'zlý' as a simple label to using it as a tool for more detailed and expressive communication about human nature and life's difficulties.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'zlý' and its place in the Czech lexical system. you can use it to discuss complex moral and social issues. You will encounter the word in more academic or journalistic texts, where it might describe 'zlověstné znamení' (an ominous sign) or 'zhoubný vliv' (a pernicious influence - though 'zhoubný' is a separate word, it is related to the concept of 'zlo'). You should be comfortable using 'zlý' in the instrumental case to talk about the means of evil: 'bojovat se zlým' (to fight with the evil one/evil). You will also understand the subtle difference between 'zlý' and 'špatný' in all contexts, including when 'zlý' is used for emphasis or poetic effect. For example, 'zlá zima' (a bitter winter) vs. 'špatná zima' (a winter with bad weather). At B2, you should also be familiar with related words like 'zlomyslný' (malicious) and 'zlořečit' (to curse/speak ill of). You can participate in debates about 'dobro a zlo' (good and evil) using a variety of adjectives and nouns derived from the same root. Your use of 'zlý' should feel natural and appropriately weighted; you know when it is too strong and when it is exactly the right word to convey the gravity of a situation. You might also explore the use of 'zlý' in historical contexts, such as describing 'zlá léta' (the bad/hard years) of war or oppression. Your vocabulary is now rich enough that 'zlý' is just one of many tools you have to describe the negative spectrum of existence.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your mastery of 'zlý' extends to its most subtle nuances and literary applications. You can appreciate and use the word in philosophical, theological, and high-level political discourse. You understand the historical development of the word and its cognates in other Slavic languages. You can analyze how authors like Dostoevsky (in Czech translation) or Czech writers like Ladislav Fuks use the concept of 'zlo' and the adjective 'zlý' to explore the depths of the human psyche. You are also aware of very specific, perhaps even archaic, uses of the word in legal or formal documents. You can distinguish between 'zlý úmysl' (dolus in legal terms) and other forms of negligence or bad faith. Your use of the adverb 'zle' is nuanced, capable of expressing everything from physical illness to the tragic outcome of a historical event. You might use phrases like 'zle se mu vedlo' (he fared poorly) in a narrative context. You are also proficient in using the substantive form 'zlí' to refer to groups of people in a socio-political analysis. At this level, you don't just 'use' the word; you understand its weight and its resonance in the Czech cultural consciousness. You can explain to others why 'zlý' is the only word that fits in a certain sentence, and why 'špatný' or 'krutý' would fail to capture the exact meaning. Your command of the word's declension is flawless, even in the most complex sentence structures.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like or near-native command of the word 'zlý'. You can use it with the same ease and precision as a highly educated Czech speaker. This includes the ability to use it in wordplay, irony, and deep metaphor. You can navigate the most complex philosophical texts where 'zlý' and 'zlo' are central themes, contributing your own nuanced perspectives. You understand how the word's meaning has shifted slightly over centuries and can recognize its use in Old Czech texts or traditional folk songs. You are familiar with all the idioms, even the most obscure ones, and can use them appropriately in both speech and writing. Your ability to translate 'zlý' into English (or other languages) is highly refined; you know that sometimes it should be 'evil', sometimes 'mean', sometimes 'wicked', and sometimes 'dire', depending on the micro-context. You can use 'zlý' to create specific atmospheres in your own creative writing, from the chilling presence of an antagonist to the oppressive weight of a 'zlá předtucha'. At this level, 'zlý' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a part of your intuitive linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express the darkest and most complex aspects of the human experience with clarity and power. You are also aware of the sociolinguistic aspects of the word, such as how its frequency or usage might vary across different regions or social groups in the Czech Republic.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

zlý في 30 ثانية

Zlý means evil, mean, or bad in character.
It is a hard adjective: zlý (M), zlá (F), zlé (N).
Use it for aggressive dogs (Pozor, zlý pes!).
Don't confuse it with 'špatný' (bad quality).

The Czech adjective zlý is a foundational word in the Czech language, primarily taught at the A1 level but possessing nuances that extend deep into philosophical and literary contexts. At its most basic level, it translates to 'evil', 'mean', or 'bad' in English. However, unlike the English word 'bad', which is a catch-all for anything from poor quality to moral corruption, zlý carries a specific weight of intent or character. When you call a person zlý, you are not just saying they are incompetent; you are saying they possess a mean-spirited nature or an evil disposition. This word is the direct antonym of dobrý (good) and hodný (kind/good-natured).

Moral Character: Used to describe a person who is intentionally hurtful, malicious, or wicked. For example, a villain in a story is always 'zlý'.
Animal Behavior: Frequently used to describe an aggressive or biting animal, most commonly a dog. 'Pozor, zlý pes!' is the standard warning for 'Beware of the dog'.
Abstract Negativity: Used for concepts that cause suffering, such as 'zlý sen' (a bad dream/nightmare) or 'zlá doba' (bad/hard times).

In daily Czech life, you will encounter zlý in fairy tales, news reports about crimes, and parenting contexts. If a child is behaving in a way that is intentionally hurtful to others, a parent might say they are being 'zlý'. However, for general 'naughtiness' (like breaking a vase by accident), the word neposlušný (disobedient) is more common. The word zlý implies a darker shade of negativity. It is important to distinguish this from špatný, which refers to poor quality or incorrectness. If a movie is poorly made, it is špatný film. If a movie is about an evil entity, that entity is zlá bytost.

V pohádkách bývá vlk vždycky zlý.

The word also appears in various fixed expressions. For instance, 'zlá krev' (bad blood) refers to long-standing animosity between people. 'Zlé znamení' is an evil omen. In the context of health, 'zlá nemoc' can colloquially refer to a serious or terminal illness, though this is somewhat dated or euphemistic. Understanding zlý requires recognizing the emotional intensity behind it. It is not a word used lightly; calling someone zlý is a significant character judgment in Czech culture.

Měl jsem v noci velmi zlý sen.

Culturally, the concept of 'zlo' (evil - the noun form) is deeply rooted in the Czech literary tradition, from the dark ballads of Karel Jaromír Erben to modern political discourse. The word zlý serves as the primary descriptor for anything that stands in opposition to the 'good' (dobro). It is also used to describe harsh physical sensations, such as 'zlá zima' (a bitter/harsh cold), though this is more common in poetic or older language. In modern slang, you might hear 'to je zlý' to mean 'that's bad' or 'that's tough', similar to the English 'that sucks', but it retains a stronger sense of genuine misfortune than 'to je blbý'.

To je zlé, že jsi ztratil klíče.

Usage in Media: In news headlines, 'zlý úmysl' (evil intent) is a common phrase used in legal contexts to describe premeditated harm.
Weather and Environment: While 'špatné počasí' is standard for rain, 'zlé počasí' implies something dangerous or destructive, like a storm.

Byla to zlá čarodějnice.

Using zlý correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Czech adjective declension. As a 'hard' adjective (ending in -ý in the masculine nominative), it follows a predictable pattern. However, because it describes character and quality, it is often used in the superlative (nejhorší - wait, note that 'zlý' and 'špatný' share the same comparative 'horší' and superlative 'nejhorší'). This is a crucial grammatical point: while the positive form is zlý, if you want to say 'worse' or 'worst', you use the forms of 'špatný'.

Masculine (Animate): Zlý muž (An evil man), Zlí lidé (Evil people). Note the change to 'zlí' in the plural nominative for animate males.
Feminine: Zlá žena (A mean woman), Zlé zprávy (Bad news). The -á ending is characteristic of feminine singular.
Neuter: Zlé dítě (A mean child), Zlá slova (Mean words). The -é ending is for neuter singular.

When constructing sentences, zlý typically precedes the noun it modifies. However, in predicate positions (after the verb 'to be'), it remains in the nominative case. For example, 'Ten pes je zlý' (That dog is mean). In this position, it functions as a description of the subject. If you are using it in different cases, such as the accusative (direct object), you must change the ending. 'Vidím zlého psa' (I see a mean dog - masculine animate accusative singular ends in -ého).

Nevěřím tomu zlému člověku.

One of the most common ways English speakers fail to use zlý correctly is by overusing it for 'bad'. If you say 'To je zlý nápad' (That is a bad idea), it sounds much more ominous than 'To je špatný nápad'. 'Zlý nápad' suggests the idea is morally wrong or intended to cause harm, whereas 'špatný nápad' simply means it's a poor decision. This distinction is vital for sounding natural in Czech. Another common usage is in the phrase 'v dobrém i zlém' (in good times and bad), which is the Czech equivalent of the wedding vow 'for better or for worse'.

Slibuji, že s tebou zůstanu v dobrém i zlém.

In more advanced usage, zlý can be used substantively (as a noun). 'Zlí' can mean 'the evil ones' or 'the bad guys'. In movies, children might ask 'Kdo jsou ti zlí?' (Who are the bad guys?). In philosophical texts, you might encounter 'boj dobra se zlem' (the struggle of good with evil). Here, 'zlem' is the instrumental case of the neuter noun 'zlo'. Even though we are focusing on the adjective, the relationship between the adjective zlý and the noun zlo is constant in Czech thought.

Nikdy nebuď zlý na své kamarády.

Dative Case: Pomáháme lidem v jejich zlých časech. (We help people in their bad times.)
Genitive Case: Strach ze zlého psa. (Fear of the mean dog.)

To byl opravdu zlý skutek.

The word zlý is ubiquitous in Czech culture, appearing in everything from the most ancient folklore to modern-day social media commentary. If you are in a Czech village, you will almost certainly see signs on gates that read 'Pozor, zlý pes!'. This is perhaps the most frequent practical encounter with the word. It serves as a legal and social warning. In this context, zlý doesn't mean the dog is morally bankrupt; it means the dog is prone to biting or is highly protective of its territory.

Fairy Tales (Pohádky): Czech culture is rich with 'pohádky'. Characters like 'zlá macecha' (evil stepmother) or 'zlý černokněžník' (evil sorcerer) are archetypes that every Czech child grows up with.
Daily Conversation: You might hear a friend say 'To je zlé' when they hear about a tragedy or a significant setback. It expresses deep sympathy for a serious situation.

In the realm of cinema and literature, zlý is used to distinguish the antagonist. In the Czech dubbing of 'Star Wars', the Dark Side is 'temná strana', but the characters are often described as 'zlí'. In political discourse, the word is used as a heavy rhetorical tool. Politicians might accuse their opponents of having 'zlé úmysly' (bad intentions). This is a strong accusation, suggesting that the opponent isn't just wrong, but actively trying to harm the country or its citizens.

V tom filmu hrál velmi zlého padoucha.

Another place you will hear this word is in religious or philosophical contexts. The 'Zlý' (with a capital Z or implied) can sometimes refer to the Devil or the personification of evil. In the Lord's Prayer (Otčenáš), the final line 'ale zbav nás od zlého' means 'but deliver us from evil'. Here, the word takes on its most profound moral and spiritual weight. For a learner, hearing zlý in this context helps illustrate the full spectrum of the word, from a nipping dog to the ultimate metaphysical adversary.

Zbav nás od zlého.

When you visit a doctor or talk about health, zlý might appear in descriptions of pain or symptoms. 'Mám zlou předtuchu' (I have a bad premonition) is a common phrase when someone feels something bad is about to happen. In the workplace, a 'zlý šéf' (mean boss) is a common complaint. This doesn't mean the boss is incompetent, but rather that they are unkind, abusive, or unfair to their employees. The word is deeply tied to the human experience of suffering and interpersonal conflict.

Byl to zlý zážitek, na který nechci vzpomínat.

News Reports: 'Zlá situace na trhu' (A bad situation on the market) - used to describe economic downturns.
Social Media: Comments like 'To je zlé!' are common reactions to bad news or shocking videos.

Vypadá to s ním velmi zle.

The single most common mistake for English speakers learning Czech is the confusion between zlý and špatný. In English, the word 'bad' covers both moral evil and poor quality. In Czech, these are strictly separated. If you say 'To je zlý film', a Czech speaker will think the movie contains evil themes or is morally reprehensible. If you simply want to say the acting was poor and the script was boring, you must say 'To je špatný film'. This distinction is the hallmark of a proficient speaker.

The 'Bad' Confusion: Using 'zlý' for 'incorrect' (e.g., a wrong answer). For a wrong answer, use 'špatná odpověď', never 'zlá odpověď'.
Gender Agreement: Forgetting that 'zlý' must match the noun. Beginners often say 'zlý žena' instead of 'zlá žena'.
Comparative Confusion: Trying to create 'zlejší'. The comparative of 'zlý' is 'horší', which is shared with 'špatný'.

Another nuance involves the adverbial form zle. While špatně means 'badly' or 'incorrectly', zle often means 'seriously' or 'dangerously'. For example, 'Je mu zle' means 'He feels sick' or 'He is doing poorly (health-wise)'. If you say 'Je mu špatně', it also means 'He feels sick', but zle is often used for more dire situations. However, in the context of performing a task, you almost always use špatně. 'Udělal to špatně' (He did it wrong). 'Udělal to zle' would sound very strange and might imply he did it with evil intent.

Pozor! Neříkej 'zlá odpověď', ale 'špatná odpověď'.

Learners also struggle with the plural forms. Masculine animate plural is zlí (e.g., zlí lidé), while masculine inanimate, feminine, and neuter plurals have different endings (zlé for masc. inanim and fem., zlá for neuter). Mixing these up is a common A2-B1 level error. For instance, 'zlé psy' is incorrect because dogs are animate; it should be 'zlí psi'. However, if you are using the accusative case, 'vidím zlé psy' is correct. This complexity of the Czech case system makes zlý a great word for practicing declension.

Ti zlí lidé nám ublížili.

Finally, avoid using zlý when you mean 'unkind' in a very mild way. If someone just forgot to say hello, they aren't necessarily zlý; they might just be nepříjemný (unpleasant) or nevychovaný (rude). Reserve zlý for situations where there is a genuine lack of goodness or a presence of malice. Overusing zlý can make your speech sound overly dramatic or like a fairy tale narrator.

Mléko je zkažené, ne zlé.

Incorrect Adverb: Saying 'Mluvíš zle česky' instead of 'Mluvíš špatně česky'.
Hyperbole: Calling a difficult exam 'zlý test'. It's better to say 'těžký test'.

To byl jen špatný vtip, nebyl zlý.

To truly master Czech, you need to know when to use zlý and when to reach for a more specific synonym. The Czech language has a rich vocabulary for describing various shades of negativity and malice. While zlý is the general term, alternatives can provide much-needed precision in your descriptions of people, actions, and situations.

Podlý (Despicable/Sneaky): Used for someone who is not just evil, but acts in a cowardly or treacherous way. A 'podlý podraz' is a dirty trick.
Krutý (Cruel): Focuses on the infliction of pain or suffering. A 'krutý trest' is a cruel punishment.
Zlomyslný (Malicious/Spiteful): Specifically describes someone who takes pleasure in the misfortune of others. It comes from 'zlo' (evil) and 'mysl' (mind).

When comparing zlý with špatný, remember that špatný is the neutral 'bad'. If you have a 'špatný den' (bad day), it's just unlucky. If you have a 'zlý den', it implies something truly terrible or malevolent happened. Another important alternative is nepříjemný (unpleasant). This is a safer word to use if you don't want to sound too harsh. Calling a person nepříjemný suggests they are difficult to be around, whereas zlý suggests they are a bad person at their core.

Jeho zlomyslný smích mě vyděsil.

In literary contexts, you might find neblahý (unfortunate/ill-fated) or zhoubný (malignant/pernicious). Zhoubný is often used in medical terms like 'zhoubný nádor' (malignant tumor), but also metaphorically for a 'zhoubný vliv' (pernicious influence). For something that is 'wicked' in a more archaic sense, hříšný (sinful) might be appropriate. If you are describing weather that is simply 'bad', stick to ošklivé (ugly) or nepříznivé (unfavorable).

To byl podlý útok zezadu.

Finally, consider the word přísný (strict). Sometimes English speakers use 'mean' when they actually mean 'strict'. In Czech, a teacher who gives a lot of homework is přísný učitel, not zlý učitel. If you call them zlý, you are saying they are cruel and want the students to suffer. Using přísný acknowledges their high standards without attacking their character. Choosing the right word demonstrates your sensitivity to the nuances of the Czech language.

Naše učitelka je přísná, ale není zlá.

Bídný (Miserable/Wretched): Describes something of very poor quality or a person in a pitiful state.
Ohavný (Hideous/Abominable): Used for something morally or physically repulsive.

Udělal jsi špatné rozhodnutí, ale nejsi zlý člověk.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The root is related to the word 'zlo' (evil). In many Slavic cultures, words for 'evil' often have roots meaning 'crooked' or 'twisted', contrasting with 'good' meaning 'straight' or 'proper'.

دليل النطق

UK /zliː/

US /zliː/

The stress is always on the first (and only) syllable.

يتقافى مع

bílý milý sílý víly píly chvíli cíli díly

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing 'ý' as a short 'i'.
De-voicing the 'z' to an 's'.
Not holding the long vowel long enough.
Confusing the 'l' with a dark English 'l'.
Over-aspirating the 'z'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text, often appearing in predictable contexts like fairy tales.

الكتابة 3/5

Declension can be tricky for beginners, especially the plural animate form 'zlí'.

التحدث 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but requires care to use 'zlý' vs 'špatný' correctly.

الاستماع 1/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in conversation.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

pes člověk sen být dobrý

تعلّم لاحقاً

špatný hodný zlo zlost horší

متقدم

zákeřný podlý zlomyslný zlověstný zhoubný

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Hard Adjective Declension

Masc: zlý, Fem: zlá, Neut: zlé

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Zlý muž (M), zlá žena (F), zlé dítě (N)

Animate vs Inanimate Plural

Zlí psi (animate), zlé stromy (inanimate)

Comparative of Zlý

Zlý -> Horší (Irregular shared with špatný)

Adverbial Formation

Zlý -> Zle

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Ten pes je zlý.

That dog is mean/aggressive.

Masculine nominative singular.

Byla to zlá čarodějnice.

She was an evil witch.

Feminine nominative singular.

Měl jsem zlý sen.

I had a bad dream.

Masculine nominative/accusative singular.

To je zlé dítě.

That is a mean child.

Neuter nominative singular.

Nejsem zlý člověk.

I am not a mean person.

Masculine nominative singular.

Pozor, zlý pes!

Beware of the dog!

Common fixed phrase.

Ona je zlá na mě.

She is mean to me.

Adjective following the verb 'to be'.

Zlí lidé neexistují.

Evil people do not exist.

Masculine animate plural nominative.

Vidím zlého muže v lese.

I see a mean man in the forest.

Masculine animate accusative singular.

Je mi dneska velmi zle.

I feel very sick today.

Adverb 'zle' used with the dative.

Máme zlé zprávy z domova.

We have bad news from home.

Feminine accusative plural.

Nevěřím té zlé ženě.

I don't trust that mean woman.

Feminine dative singular.

To jsou zlá slova.

Those are mean words.

Neuter nominative plural.

Bojím se zlých psů.

I am afraid of mean dogs.

Masculine genitive plural.

Můj bratr není zlý.

My brother is not mean.

Masculine nominative singular.

Byla to zlá noc.

It was a bad night.

Feminine nominative singular.

Slibuji ti věrnost v dobrém i zlém.

I promise you loyalty in good times and bad.

Neuter locative singular (substantivized).

Mezi těmi rodinami je zlá krev.

There is bad blood between those families.

Idiom 'zlá krev'.

Dopadlo to s ním velmi zle.

It ended very badly for him.

Adverb 'zle' in a resultative sense.

Mám zlou předtuchu o té cestě.

I have a bad premonition about that trip.

Feminine accusative singular.

Zlí lidé se často přetvařují.

Evil people often pretend.

Masculine animate nominative plural.

Nikdy jsem neviděl tak zlé chování.

I have never seen such mean behavior.

Neuter accusative singular.

Je to zlá situace pro nás všechny.

It is a bad situation for all of us.

Feminine nominative singular.

Vlk byl v té pohádce opravdu zlý.

The wolf in that fairy tale was really evil.

Masculine nominative singular.

Obvinili ho ze zlého úmyslu.

They accused him of malicious intent.

Masculine genitive singular.

Žijeme ve zlé době plné konfliktů.

We live in a bad time full of conflicts.

Feminine locative singular.

Byl to zlověstný a zlý pohled.

It was an ominous and evil look.

Masculine nominative singular.

Zlo plodí jen další zlé věci.

Evil only breeds more bad things.

Feminine accusative plural.

Byl potrestán za své zlé skutky.

He was punished for his evil deeds.

Masculine accusative plural.

Není nic horšího než zlý jazyk.

There is nothing worse than a mean tongue (gossip).

Idiom 'zlý jazyk'.

Zlá vůle může zničit přátelství.

Ill will can destroy a friendship.

Feminine nominative singular.

Všechno zlé je pro něco dobré.

Every cloud has a silver lining (literally: everything bad is good for something).

Proverb.

Filozofové po staletí zkoumají podstatu zlého.

Philosophers have been exploring the nature of evil for centuries.

Neuter genitive singular (substantivized).

Jeho zlé svědomí ho nenechalo spát.

His bad conscience wouldn't let him sleep.

Neuter nominative singular.

Zbav nás od všeho zlého, amen.

Deliver us from all evil, amen.

Neuter genitive singular from the Lord's Prayer.

Byla to zlá ironie osudu.

It was a cruel irony of fate.

Feminine nominative singular.

Zlá předtucha se nakonec naplnila.

The bad premonition was finally fulfilled.

Feminine nominative singular.

Musíme se postavit tomuto zlému režimu.

We must stand up to this evil regime.

Masculine dative singular.

Zlá slova mohou zanechat hluboké rány.

Mean words can leave deep wounds.

Neuter nominative plural.

Ona není zlá, jen je velmi nešťastná.

She isn't mean, she's just very unhappy.

Feminine nominative singular.

V jeho očích se zračilo čisté, ničím neředěné zlo.

In his eyes, pure, undiluted evil was reflected.

Noun 'zlo' used for maximum impact.

Tento zlý čin otřásl základy naší společnosti.

This evil act shook the foundations of our society.

Masculine nominative singular.

Byla to zlá a zákeřná hra o moc.

It was a mean and insidious game of power.

Feminine nominative singular with synonym 'zákeřná'.

Zle se mu odvděčili za jeho laskavost.

They repaid him badly (with evil) for his kindness.

Adverb 'zle' in a complex sentence.

Zlo je v tomto románu personifikováno jako zlý stařec.

Evil is personified in this novel as a mean old man.

Masculine nominative singular.

Jeho zlá povaha byla zřejmá od dětství.

His mean nature was evident from childhood.

Feminine nominative singular.

To byl zlověstný začátek zlých časů.

It was an ominous beginning of bad times.

Masculine genitive plural.

Nikdo není tak zlý, aby v něm nebylo kousek dobra.

No one is so evil that there isn't a bit of good in them.

Complex conditional structure.

المرادفات

podlý krutý zlomyslný špatný ohavný nepříjemný bídný zákeřný

الأضداد

hodný dobrý laskavý milý

تلازمات شائعة

zlý pes

zlý sen

zlý úmysl

zlá čarodějnice

zlá krev

zlá zpráva

zlé časy

zlý duch

zlá vůle

zlý jazyk

العبارات الشائعة

V dobrém i zlém

— For better or for worse. Often used in wedding vows or to describe deep commitment.

Zůstaneme spolu v dobrém i zlém.

Všechno zlé je pro něco dobré

— Every cloud has a silver lining. Bad things often lead to something positive.

Nebuď smutný, všechno zlé je pro něco dobré.

Zle se mu vedlo

— He fared poorly. Used to describe someone going through a difficult period.

Po válce se mu vedlo velmi zle.

Mít zlou předtuchu

— To have a bad premonition. Feeling that something bad is about to happen.

Mám zlou předtuchu o tom letu.

Zlý pohled

— A mean look or a glare. Usually indicates anger or malice.

Věnoval mi velmi zlý pohled.

Zlé znamení

— A bad omen. A sign that something unfortunate will occur.

Černá kočka přes cestu je pro někoho zlé znamení.

Zlá macecha

— The evil stepmother. A classic archetype from fairy tales.

Popelka měla zlou macechu.

Zlé svědomí

— A guilty conscience. Feeling bad about something one has done.

Trápilo ho zlé svědomí.

Zlý vlk

— The big bad wolf. The antagonist in Little Red Riding Hood.

Karkulka potkala zlého vlka.

Zlá nemoc

— A serious illness. Often used as a euphemism for cancer.

Bohužel ho postihla zlá nemoc.

يُخلط عادةً مع

zlý vs špatný

Špatný is for quality/correctness, Zlý is for character/malice.

zlý vs přísný

Přísný means strict, Zlý means mean/evil.

zlý vs zkažený

Zkažený means spoiled (food) or corrupt, Zlý is more about intent.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Mít zlou krev"

— To have bad blood. Refers to a long-standing grudge or animosity.

Mezi těmi sousedy je už léta zlá krev.

informal/neutral

"Zlý jazyk"

— A mean tongue. Refers to someone who gossips or speaks maliciously about others.

Nevěř jí, má zlý jazyk.

neutral

"Dopadnout zle"

— To end up badly. Used for situations that result in failure or tragedy.

Ten výlet mohl dopadnout velmi zle.

neutral

"Zle se podívat"

— To give someone a dirty look or a glare.

Zle se na mě podíval, když jsem to řekl.

neutral

"Přijít na zlé myšlenky"

— To start having bad/dark thoughts or intentions.

Samota ho přivedla na zlé myšlenky.

neutral

"Zlé časy"

— Hard times. Periods of economic or personal hardship.

Pamatuji si zlé časy po revoluci.

neutral

"Všechno zlé"

— All the bad things. Often used in summaries of misfortune.

Zapomeň na všechno zlé.

neutral

"Zlý duch doby"

— The evil spirit of the age. Used to describe negative trends in society.

Konzum je zlý duch naší doby.

formal

"Zle pořídit"

— To fare badly or to be unsuccessful in an endeavor.

U toho šéfa zle pořídíš se svou žádostí.

informal

"Zbavit se zlého"

— To get rid of evil or something bad.

Musíme se zbavit všeho zlého v nás.

neutral/religious

سهل الخلط

zlý vs špatný

Both translate to 'bad' in English.

Špatný refers to poor quality or being incorrect. Zlý refers to being mean, evil, or having bad intent.

To je špatná odpověď (Wrong answer). Ten muž je zlý (The man is mean).

zlý vs přísný

English 'mean' can sometimes mean 'strict'.

Přísný is someone with high standards or rules. Zlý is someone who wants to cause pain.

Učitel je přísný, ale spravedlivý (The teacher is strict but fair).

zlý vs nepříjemný

Both describe someone you don't like.

Nepříjemný is just 'unpleasant' or 'annoying'. Zlý is 'evil' or 'malicious'.

Je to nepříjemná situace (It's an unpleasant situation).

zlý vs hustý

Slang use of 'bad' for 'cool' or 'intense'.

Hustý is slang for 'cool' or 'intense'. Zlý is always negative.

To je hustý! (That's cool/intense!)

zlý vs smutný

Sometimes bad things make us sad.

Smutný is an emotion (sad). Zlý is a quality (evil).

Jsem smutný, protože se stalo něco zlého.

أنماط الجُمل

[Subject] je [zlý/zlá/zlé].

Ten kluk je zlý.

Mám [zlý/zlá/zlé] [Noun].

Mám zlý sen.

Je mi [zle].

Je mi dneska zle.

[Adjective] [Noun] v [Case].

Bojím se zlého psa.

Všechno [zlé] je pro něco [dobré].

Všechno zlé je pro něco dobré.

[Noun] se [zlým] úmyslem.

Čin se zlým úmyslem.

Zbav nás od [zlého].

Zbav nás od zlého.

Pozor, [zlý] [Noun]!

Pozor, zlý pes!

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

zlo (evil)

zlost (anger/rage)

zloduch (villain/evil spirit)

zločinec (criminal)

zločin (crime)

zloba (malice/spite)

الأفعال

zlobit (to annoy/to behave badly)

zlobit se (to be angry)

přiznat se ke zlu (to admit to evil)

zlořečit (to curse)

الصفات

zlý (evil/mean)

zlomyslný (malicious)

zlověstný (ominous)

zločinný (criminal/wicked)

مرتبط

špatný

horší

nejhorší

dobrý

hodný

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Czech.

أخطاء شائعة

To je zlý film. → To je špatný film.
You should use 'špatný' for poor quality. 'Zlý' implies the movie is evil.
Zlé lidé jsou tady. → Zlí lidé jsou tady.
Masculine animate plural requires the 'í' ending.
Máš zlou odpověď. → Máš špatnou odpověď.
Use 'špatný' for incorrect answers.
On je víc zlý než já. → On je horší než já.
The comparative of 'zlý' is 'horší'.
Mléko je zlé. → Mléko je zkažené.
Use 'zkažený' for spoiled food.

نصائح

Gender Matching

Always remember to match 'zlý' with the noun's gender: zlý pes (M), zlá kočka (F), zlé zvíře (N).

Zlý vs Špatný

Use 'zlý' for moral evil or mean behavior. Use 'špatný' for poor quality or errors.

Long Vowel

The 'ý' is long. Make sure to hold the sound longer than a short 'i'.

Health Expression

Memorize 'Je mi zle' to say you feel sick. It's very common!

Fairy Tale Archetypes

Learn 'zlá macecha' and 'zlý vlk' as they are central to Czech folklore.

Malicious Intent

In formal contexts, 'zlý úmysl' is the term for 'malicious intent'.

Plural Animate

The plural for mean men or people is 'zlí lidé', not 'zlé lidé'.

Comparative

Remember the comparative is 'horší'. Never write 'zlejší'.

Tone Matters

Calling someone 'zlý' is a serious accusation. Use it carefully in conversation.

Dog Signs

When you see 'Pozor, zlý pes!', take it seriously—it means the dog is aggressive.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Zesty' person who is 'Lethal' and 'Yelling' - Z-L-Y. Or imagine a 'Zebra' that is 'Lying' and 'Yapping' - a very 'zlý' zebra!

ربط بصري

Visualize the sign 'Pozor, zlý pes!' with a cartoonish, mean dog with sharp teeth. This is the most common visual anchor for this word in Czechia.

Word Web

zlo zlý pes zlý sen zlá macecha zlost zle zlomyslný zlí lidé

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'zlý' in three different sentences today: one about a character in a book, one about a bad dream, and one about an aggressive animal.

أصل الكلمة

The word 'zlý' comes from the Proto-Slavic '*zъlъ', which also meant 'evil' or 'bad'. It is shared across almost all Slavic languages (e.g., Polish 'zły', Russian 'злой').

المعنى الأصلي: The original meaning was likely 'bent' or 'crooked', metaphorically referring to someone who has strayed from the 'straight' or 'right' path.

Indo-European > Balto-Slavic > Slavic > West Slavic > Czech

السياق الثقافي

Calling a person 'zlý' is a very strong insult in Czech. It's more intense than calling someone 'mean' in English.

English speakers often use 'bad' for everything. In Czech, you must distinguish character (zlý) from quality (špatný).

O dvanácti měsíčkách (Fairy tale with a zlá macecha) The Lord's Prayer (Otčenáš) - 'zbav nás od zlého' Kytice by K.J. Erben (Contains many 'zlý' characters and omens)

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Fairy Tales

zlá čarodějnice
zlý drak
zlý vlk
zlá macecha

Warnings

Pozor, zlý pes!
Zlé znamení
Zlá předtucha
Zlá zpráva

Personal Relationships

Být na někoho zlý
Zlá krev
Zlá slova
Zlý pohled

Health and Feelings

Je mi zle
Zlý sen
Zlá nemoc
Zle se cítit

Moral/Philosophical

Zlý úmysl
Boj dobra a zla
V dobrém i zlém
Zlá vůle

بدايات محادثة

"Už jsi někdy potkal opravdu zlého člověka?"

"Máš strach ze zlých psů?"

"Co byl tvůj nejhorší zlý sen?"

"Myslíš si, že jsou někteří lidé prostě zlí od narození?"

"Znáš nějakou pohádku, kde není žádná zlá postava?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Popiš postavu z knihy nebo filmu, která je podle tebe opravdu zlá. Proč?

Napiš o situaci, kdy jsi měl zlou předtuchu a ona se splnila.

Co pro tebe znamená fráze 'v dobrém i zlém'?

Jaký je rozdíl mezi tím, když je někdo zlý a když je někdo jen přísný?

Napiš o dni, kdy se ti vedlo zle, a jak jsi to překonal.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

Generally, no. You should use 'špatný film'. If you say 'zlý film', it sounds like the movie is evil or morally wrong.

'Zle' is often used for health ('Je mi zle') or dire outcomes. 'Špatně' is used for doing something incorrectly ('Udělal to špatně').

The standard phrase is 'Pozor, zlý pes!' which literally means 'Attention, mean dog!'

No, 'zlý' is irregular in its comparison. Use 'horší' for 'worse' and 'nejhorší' for 'worst'.

Yes, but it's strong. For a child who is just misbehaving, 'neposlušný' (disobedient) or 'zlobivý' is more common.

It means 'in good times and bad', similar to the English wedding vow 'for better or for worse'.

It is a hard adjective, ending in -ý in the masculine nominative singular.

Use 'zlá macecha'. This is a very common term in Czech fairy tales.

The noun is 'zlo' (neuter). 'Boj dobra a zla' means 'the fight of good and evil'.

'Zlé počasí' can be used for very dangerous or destructive weather, but 'špatné' or 'ošklivé' is more common for just rain or clouds.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات