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A1 adjective 10 Min. Lesezeit

modrý

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At the A1 level, 'modrý' is one of the first adjectives you learn. You use it to describe basic objects like 'modré auto' (blue car), 'modrý svetr' (blue sweater), or 'modrá obloha' (blue sky). The focus is on the nominative case and simple gender agreement. You learn that masculine is 'modrý', feminine is 'modrá', and neuter is 'modré'. It's important to start noticing that adjectives in Czech change their endings to match the noun, a concept that doesn't exist in English. You might also learn 'modré oči' (blue eyes) as a common descriptive phrase. Exercises at this level usually involve matching the color to the correct noun or identifying the color in a picture. You will also learn the question 'Jakou barvu má...?' (What color is...?) and answer 'Má modrou barvu' or 'Je modrý/á/é'.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'modrý' in more varied grammatical contexts beyond the simple nominative. You will practice the accusative case, such as 'Mám modrou košili' (I have a blue shirt), and the locative case for describing locations, like 'V tom modrém domě' (In that blue house). You also start to learn common compound adjectives like 'světlemodrý' (light blue) and 'tmavomodrý' (dark blue). At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'modrý' to describe clothing, weather, and basic surroundings in short paragraphs. You might also encounter the word in the context of 'Modrá zóna' (parking zones) in Czech cities. The focus is on consistency in adjective-noun agreement across the four most common cases (1, 4, 6, 7).

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At the B1 level, you move into idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures. You will learn phrases like 'slibovat modré z nebe' (to promise the impossible) and 'modrá krev' (blue blood/nobility). You also start to use the comparative and superlative forms: 'modřejší' (bluer) and 'nejmodřejší' (bluest). You might read short stories or news articles where 'modrý' is used to describe political parties or social services like 'Modrá linka'. Your understanding of the word family expands to include 'modřina' (bruise) and the verb 'modrat' (to turn blue). You are expected to use the correct case endings for all seven cases, including the plural forms which can be tricky, like 'modrými' in the instrumental plural.

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At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'modrý' in professional and literary contexts. You understand the difference between 'modrý' and more specific terms like 'azurový' or 'tyrkysový'. You can discuss the symbolic use of the color in art or history, such as the significance of blue in Czech heraldry or the 'Blue Period' of a painter. You will encounter 'modrý' in technical terms like 'modrá karta' (EU Blue Card) and understand the legal and social implications. You are also able to use the word in passive constructions or as part of complex adjective phrases. Your vocabulary includes related words like 'modravý' (bluish) and you can distinguish between the literal and figurative uses of the color in media and literature.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the stylistic variations of 'modrý'. You recognize poetic synonyms like 'blankytný' and understand when they are appropriate versus the more common 'modrý'. You can interpret complex metaphors involving the color in classical Czech literature, such as the works of Karel Hynek Mácha. You understand the historical development of the word and its relationship to other Slavic languages. You can use 'modrý' in highly formal or academic writing, discussing things like 'modré světlo' (blue light) in the context of digital health or 'modrá ekonomika' (blue economy). You are also familiar with rare or archaic terms like 'šmolkový' and can use them for specific stylistic effects.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'modrý' is near-native. You understand the most obscure idioms and historical references, such as 'modrý pondělek' (Blue Monday) and its specific cultural history in the Czech lands. You can navigate the most complex grammatical situations involving the word, including archaic declensions found in 19th-century texts. You can discuss the etymology of the word from Proto-Slavic and its semantic shifts over centuries. You are able to use 'modrý' and its derivatives to express subtle shades of meaning in creative writing or high-level debate. You recognize the word's role in the 'Czech national character' or folk traditions, and you can explain these concepts to others with precision and cultural sensitivity.

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modrý in 30 Sekunden

Modrý is the standard Czech word for the color blue.
It is a hard adjective that must agree with the noun's gender and case.
It is used for the sky, water, eyes, and many cultural symbols.
Common forms include modrý (M), modrá (F), and modré (N).

The word modrý is one of the most fundamental adjectives in the Czech language, primarily denoting the color blue. In the Czech linguistic world, colors are not just visual descriptors; they carry significant cultural and grammatical weight. As a 'hard' adjective (ending in -ý), modrý serves as the prototype for color agreement in early language learning. It encompasses the entire spectrum from the pale morning sky to the deepest depths of the ocean. In everyday Czech life, you will encounter this word when describing the environment, fashion, and even political affiliations.

Visual Spectrum: In Czech, modrý is used for everything from 'blankytná' (sky blue) to 'námořnická modř' (navy blue). Unlike some languages that might have distinct primary words for light and dark blue (like Russian 'goluboy' and 'siniy'), Czech uses modrý as the umbrella term, often modified by 'světle' (light) or 'tmavě' (dark).

Dnes je nádherně modré nebe bez jediného mráčku.

Translation: Today there is a beautifully blue sky without a single cloud.

Beyond simple description, modrý is deeply embedded in the Czech landscape. The 'Modrá pyramida' is a well-known building society, and 'Modrý Portugal' is a popular variety of red wine (despite the name). When you walk through Prague, you might notice the blue signs on buildings; these are orientation numbers, distinct from the red descriptive numbers. Understanding modrý is therefore essential for navigating both the physical and social landscape of the Czech Republic.

Symbolic Weight: Historically, blue was associated with the nobility ('modrá krev') and later with certain professional uniforms, such as those of railway workers or the police. In modern politics, the color blue is closely associated with right-leaning, conservative parties like the ODS (Občanská demokratická strana).

Má hluboké modré oči, které připomínají hladinu jezera.

In the culinary world, modrý appears in the term 'vaření namodro' (cooking blue), a specific method of preparing freshwater fish, particularly trout or carp, in a vinegar-based broth that turns the skin a slightly bluish-grey tint. This is a traditional Czech delicacy often served during festive occasions.

Emotional Resonance: While English uses 'blue' to mean sad, Czech does not typically use modrý in this way. Instead, a Czech person might feel 'smutný' (sad) or have 'deprese'. However, 'modrý' can imply something distant, unattainable, or idealistic, as seen in the phrase 'modré z nebe' (the blue from the sky).

Sliboval jí modré z nebe, ale nakonec nic nesplnil.

Spadl jsem z kola a teď mám na noze velkou modřinu.

Using modrý correctly requires an understanding of Czech adjective declension. As a 'hard' adjective, it follows the paradigm of mladý (young). This means the endings change significantly based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For English speakers, this is often the most challenging aspect of using colors in Czech, as 'blue' remains static in English regardless of the object.

Gender Agreement: For masculine nouns, we use modrý (e.g., modrý svetr). For feminine nouns, the ending changes to -á: modrá (e.g., modrá sukně). For neuter nouns, the ending is -é: modré (e.g., modré auto).

Koupil si modrý kabát a modrou čepici.

He bought a blue coat and a blue hat.

When dealing with plural nouns, the complexity increases. In the nominative plural, masculine animate nouns take the ending -í (modří ptáci), while masculine inanimate and feminine nouns take -é (modré stoly, modré květiny), and neuter nouns also take -á (modrá okna). Mastering these variations is key to sounding natural in Czech.

Case Changes: In the accusative case (direct object), 'modrý' stays the same for inanimate masculine nouns, but for feminine nouns, it becomes modrou. For example: 'Vidím modrou oblohu' (I see the blue sky).

Píšeme modrým inkoustem do sešitu.

We write with blue ink into the notebook (Instrumental case).

Adjectives in Czech usually precede the noun they describe. However, in poetic or archaic contexts, or when using specific botanical/zoological names, the adjective might follow the noun. For example, 'modrásek' is a type of blue butterfly, but in scientific classification, you might see 'modrý' used in specific taxonomies.

Compound Colors: When describing shades, Czech combines words. 'Tmavomodrý' (dark blue) and 'světlemodrý' (light blue) are written as one word. If describing a mixture, like blue-green, we use a hyphen: 'modro-zelený'.

Ta váza má zvláštní modro-šedou barvu.

V modrém pokoji se mi lépe spí.

In the blue room, I sleep better (Locative case).

You will hear modrý in a variety of real-world contexts in the Czech Republic, ranging from the mundane to the highly specific. It is a staple of weather forecasts, fashion discussions, and sports commentary. Because blue is a primary color, its frequency in daily speech is very high.

Weather and Nature: Meteorologists frequently use the term 'jasně modrá obloha' (clear blue sky) during summer forecasts. In the mountains, you'll hear about 'modré sjezdovky' (blue ski runs), which denote the easiest difficulty level, perfect for beginners.

Zítra bude jasno a modrá obloha po celý den.

In the context of transportation, 'Modrá karta' (Blue Card) is a term often heard by expatriates, referring to the work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens. Similarly, 'Modrá zóna' (Blue Zone) is a term every driver in Prague knows all too well—it indicates residential parking areas where visitors are generally not allowed to park without a permit or paying a high fee.

Public Services: The 'Modrá linka' (Blue Line) is a well-known helpline in the Czech Republic providing psychological assistance and crisis intervention. In this context, blue symbolizes trust, calm, and professional support.

Zaparkoval jsem v modré zóně a dostal jsem pokutu.

In sports, blue is a common team color. Fans of teams like HC Kometa Brno or the national ice hockey team (which uses red, white, and blue) will frequently use the word when discussing jerseys ('modré dresy'). In the world of literature, 'Modrý Mauritius' is a famous philatelic mystery often referenced in detective stories and cultural discussions regarding rare stamps.

Technical and Professional: In construction and engineering, 'modrák' is a colloquial term for blueprints or technical drawings, though digital versions have largely replaced them. Workers might also refer to their 'modráky' (blue overalls/work clothes).

Mechanik si oblékl své špinavé modráky a pustil se do práce.

Zavoláme Modrého anděla, aby nás odvezli domů.

While modrý seems simple, learners often stumble over its declension and its specific idiomatic uses. Because English uses 'blue' for both gendered and non-gendered objects, the primary mistake is failing to change the ending to match the Czech noun. Another common error involves confusing 'blue' the color with 'blue' the emotion.

Incorrect Gender Endings: Learners often say 'modrý auto' instead of the correct 'modré auto'. Remember that 'auto' is neuter. Similarly, saying 'modrý kytka' instead of 'modrá kytka' (feminine) is a very frequent mistake for beginners.

Špatně: Mám modrý propisku. Správně: Mám modrou propisku.

Another tricky area is the masculine animate plural. When talking about 'blue men' (perhaps Smurfs or characters), you must use 'modří', not 'modré'. The change from 'r' to 'ř' is a phonological requirement in Czech for this specific plural form. This 'r' to 'ř' shift is often forgotten by intermediate students.

The 'Feeling Blue' Trap: Translating 'I feel blue' as 'Cítím se modře' is a direct calque from English that makes no sense in Czech. To express sadness, use 'Jsem smutný' or 'Mám depku'. 'Modře' is an adverb that describes how something is colored, not an emotional state.

Dnes se necítím modře, ale smutně.

Confusion also arises with the word 'modřina' (bruise). While it comes from 'modrý', you cannot say 'mám modré místo' (I have a blue place) to mean you are bruised. You must use the specific noun 'modřina' or the verb 'pomodrat' (to turn blue).

Declension in Indirect Cases: Mixing up the instrumental and locative cases is common. For example, 'mluvím o modrým autě' (incorrect) vs. 'mluvím o modrém autě' (correct). The ending '-ým' is for the instrumental case, while '-ém' is for the locative/dative masculine/neuter.

Píšu s modrým perem (Instrumental), ale mluvím o modrém peru (Locative).

Jeho obličej mrazem celý zmodral.

His face turned completely blue from the frost.

While modrý is the general term, Czech is rich with specific words for different shades and related concepts. Using these can make your speech more precise and sophisticated. Understanding the nuances between 'azurový', 'blankytný', and 'temně modrý' will help you describe the world like a native speaker.

Shades of the Sky: Blankytný is a poetic word specifically for sky blue. It evokes a sense of clarity and brightness. Azurový (azure) is often used for the sea or a very deep, clear sky, particularly in travel brochures describing the Mediterranean.

Moře mělo neuvěřitelnou azurovou barvu.

For darker shades, Czechs use tmavomodrý or temně modrý. If the blue has a hint of purple, you might hear fialovomodrý. If it's more like a teal or turquoise, the word is tyrkysový. There is also šmolkový, an old-fashioned term for a specific bright blue used in laundry bluing or folk art.

Comparison Table

Modrý: General blue.
Blankytný: Poetic sky blue.
Azurový: Vivid, deep Mediterranean blue.
Námořnický: Navy (literally 'sailor-like').
Siný: A pale, sickly blue (used for cold or dying skin).

Jeho rty byly siné od té ledové vody.

His lips were pale blue/livid from the ice water.

In terms of verbs, modrat means 'to turn blue' or 'to show blue'. Modrat se is often used for distant mountains that appear blue on the horizon. Pomodřit means to make something blue (like dyeing a fabric).

The Word 'Siný' vs. 'Modrý': This is a crucial distinction. While 'modrý' is neutral or positive, 'siný' is almost always negative, describing the color of someone who is freezing, suffocating, or dead. Using 'siný' for a beautiful dress would be a major mistake.

V dálce se modraly vrcholky Šumavy.

Večerní mlha měla modravý nádech.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

While 'modrý' means blue in Czech, the cognate 'мудрый' (mudryy) in Russian means 'wise'. Both likely stem from a root meaning 'bright' or 'clear-sighted'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈmodriː/

US /ˈmoʊdriː/

The stress is always on the first syllable in Czech: MO-drý.

Reimt sich auf

dobrý mokrý ostrý moudrý vydrý šedrý bedrý hadrý

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ý' as a short 'i'. It must be held longer.
Failing to trill the 'r'.
Stress on the second syllable.
Pronouncing 'o' like 'ow' in 'now'.
Making the 'd' too soft.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it's a basic color.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires attention to adjective endings.

Sprechen 2/5

Trilling the 'r' while getting the 'ý' right can be tricky.

Hören 1/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to spot.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

barva je mám auto nebe

Als Nächstes lernen

červený zelený žlutý tmavý světlý

Fortgeschritten

blankytný azurový modřina zmodrat modravý

Wichtige Grammatik

Hard Adjective Declension

modrý, modrého, modrému...

Adjective-Noun Agreement

modrá (F) + kytka (F) = modrá kytka

Consonant Shift in Plural

modrý -> modří (masculine animate)

Compound Adjective Formation

světle + modrý = světlemodrý

Instrumental Case with Colors

Píšu modrou propiskou.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

To je modré auto.

That is a blue car.

Neuter singular nominative.

Mám modrý svetr.

I have a blue sweater.

Masculine inanimate singular accusative.

Obloha je modrá.

The sky is blue.

Feminine singular nominative.

Kde jsou moje modré boty?

Where are my blue shoes?

Feminine plural nominative.

Vidím modrý dům.

I see a blue house.

Masculine inanimate singular accusative.

Ona má modré oči.

She has blue eyes.

Feminine plural accusative.

Je to modrý nebo zelený?

Is it blue or green?

Masculine singular nominative.

Tady je modrá tužka.

Here is a blue pencil.

Feminine singular nominative.

Koupil jsem si světlemodrou košili.

I bought a light blue shirt.

Feminine singular accusative with compound adjective.

Bydlíme v tom modrém domě na rohu.

We live in that blue house on the corner.

Masculine inanimate singular locative.

Píšeme modrým perem.

We write with a blue pen.

Neuter singular instrumental.

Hledám ty modré kalhoty.

I am looking for those blue trousers.

Feminine plural accusative.

Moře bylo krásně modré.

The sea was beautifully blue.

Neuter singular nominative.

Máš rád modrou barvu?

Do you like the color blue?

Feminine singular accusative.

V zimě jsou hory často modré.

In winter, the mountains are often blue.

Feminine plural nominative.

Dám ti tuhle modrou knihu.

I will give you this blue book.

Feminine singular accusative.

Sliboval mi modré z nebe.

He promised me the blue from the sky (the impossible).

Idiomatic use, neuter plural accusative.

Oni mají modrou krev.

They have blue blood (they are aristocrats).

Idiomatic use, feminine singular accusative.

Udělala se mi na noze modřina.

A bruise formed on my leg.

Noun derivative from modrý.

Hory se v dálce krásně modraly.

The mountains were beautifully blue in the distance.

Reflexive verb 'modrat se'.

Je to nejmodřejší květina, jakou jsem viděl.

It is the bluest flower I have ever seen.

Superlative form.

Pojedeme po modré turistické značce.

We will follow the blue hiking trail marker.

Feminine singular locative.

Obličej mu zmodral zimou.

His face turned blue with cold.

Verb 'zmodrat' (to turn blue).

Ta barva je modřejší než ta druhá.

That color is bluer than the other one.

Comparative form.

Podal si žádost o modrou kartu.

He applied for a Blue Card.

Specific legal term.

Parkování v modré zóně je omezené.

Parking in the blue zone is restricted.

Urban planning term.

Měl na sobě tmavomodrý oblek.

He was wearing a dark blue suit.

Compound adjective.

Voda v jezeře byla průzračně modrá.

The water in the lake was crystal blue.

Adverbial modifier with adjective.

Využíváme služeb Modré linky.

We use the services of the Blue Line (helpline).

Proper name of a service.

Tento druh motýla se jmenuje modrásek.

This species of butterfly is called 'modrásek'.

Noun derived from the color.

Návrh byl nakreslen na modrý papír.

The design was drawn on blue paper.

Masculine inanimate singular accusative.

Jeho oči měly ocelově modrý nádech.

His eyes had a steel-blue tint.

Compound descriptive phrase.

Básník opěvoval blankytnou šíři nebes.

The poet sang of the sky-blue breadth of the heavens.

Poetic synonym 'blankytný'.

V hloubi lesa se skrývalo modravé jezírko.

A bluish pond was hidden deep in the forest.

Adjective 'modravý' (bluish).

Siné rty prozrazovaly podchlazení.

Livid/pale blue lips revealed hypothermia.

Specific term 'siný' for sickly blue.

Modrá barva v tomto obraze symbolizuje klid.

The blue color in this painting symbolizes tranquility.

Abstract noun use.

Šmolková modř byla dříve velmi populární.

Smalt blue was very popular in the past.

Archaic/Specific shade name.

Obloha se zbarvila do temně modra.

The sky turned dark blue.

Noun form of the color with preposition.

V heraldice modrá barva značí věrnost.

In heraldry, the color blue signifies loyalty.

Technical/Historical context.

Místnost byla vymalována v modravých tónech.

The room was painted in bluish tones.

Plural locative.

Etymologie slova 'modrý' sahá k praslovanským kořenům.

The etymology of the word 'modrý' goes back to Proto-Slavic roots.

Linguistic discussion.

Modrý pondělek byl dnem klidu pro řemeslníky.

Blue Monday was a day of rest for craftsmen.

Historical cultural reference.

V textu se objevuje archaický tvar modř.

The archaic form 'modř' appears in the text.

Archaic noun form.

Jeho projev byl prostoupen modrou symbolikou.

His speech was permeated with blue symbolism.

Highly abstract/metaphorical.

Barvivo bylo vyrobeno z drahého lapis lazuli.

The dye was made from expensive lapis lazuli.

Technical/Historical context of blue.

Vědci zkoumali vliv modrého světla na cirkadiánní rytmus.

Scientists studied the influence of blue light on the circadian rhythm.

Scientific context.

Modrá ekonomika se zaměřuje na udržitelné oceány.

The blue economy focuses on sustainable oceans.

Modern economic term.

Autor využívá modrou barvu k navození melancholie.

The author uses the color blue to evoke melancholy.

Literary analysis.

Häufige Kollokationen

modrá obloha

modré oči

modrá zóna

modrá krev

modrá karta

modrý svetr

modré moře

modrá linka

modrý inkoust

modrý Portugal

Häufige Phrasen

jasně modrý

— Bright blue. Used for very vivid colors.

Má jasně modré tričko.

temně modrý

— Deep or very dark blue.

Temně modrá noc se snášela na krajinu.

modrá barva

— The color blue (noun phrase).

Modrá barva mi uklidňuje.

modrá turistická značka

— Blue hiking trail marker used in the Czech trail system.

Sledujte modrou značku až k hradu.

modré z nebe

— Something impossible or extremely valuable.

Sliboval jí modré z nebe.

modré pondělí

— Blue Monday (historically a day when workers didn't work).

Dnes je modré pondělí, nikomu se nechce dělat.

modrý anděl

— Blue Angel (a specific taxi/transport service).

Pojedeme Modrým andělem.

modré hory

— Blue mountains (often used poetically).

V dálce vidím modré hory.

modrá planeta

— The Blue Planet (Earth).

Z vesmíru vypadá Země jako modrá planeta.

modrá stuha

— Blue ribbon (an award or distinction).

Vyhrál modrou stuhu v soutěži.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

modrý vs moudrý

Means 'wise'. The only difference is the 'u', but the meaning is completely different.

modrý vs mokrý

Means 'wet'. Similar sound, but watch the 'o' vs 'u' and the 'k' vs 'd'.

modrý vs modral

Past tense verb meaning 'he was turning blue'. Don't use it as an adjective.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Slibovat modré z nebe"

— To promise the moon/the impossible.

Politici často slibují modré z nebe před volbami.

common

"Modrá krev"

— Noble or aristocratic lineage.

Myslí si o sobě bůhvíco, jako by měl modrou krev.

common

"Mít modré pondělí"

— To take a day off work, often after a weekend of partying.

Petr dnes nepřišel, asi má modré pondělí.

informal

"Být namodro"

— To be prepared in a specific vinegar broth (fish), or slang for being drunk.

Pstruh namodro je moje oblíbené jídlo.

culinary/slang

"Modrá punčocha"

— Bluestocking (a scholarly or pedantic woman).

Vždycky byla taková modrá punčocha, pořád jen v knihách.

literary/dated

"Koukat jako modrá blecha"

— To look surprised or confused (less common).

Koukal na mě jako modrá blecha.

informal/regional

"Modrý jako šmolka"

— Very blue, intensely blue.

Po té zimě měl nos modrý jako šmolka.

informal

"Zůstalo mu to modré"

— He was left with nothing or a bad result (rare).

Všechno prohrál a zůstalo mu to modré.

archaic

"Dělat modré oči"

— To act innocent or flirtatious to get something.

Nedělej na mě ty svoje modré oči, stejně ti to nepomůže.

informal

"Modrá hodinka"

— The blue hour (twilight).

Fotografové milují modrou hodinku.

artistic

Leicht verwechselbar

modrý vs moudrý

Similar spelling and pronunciation.

Modrý is a color (blue), moudrý is an intellectual quality (wise).

Modrý pták je moudrý. (The blue bird is wise.)

modrý vs modře

Adverbial form vs adjective.

Modrý describes a noun, modře describes an action or state.

Je to modře vymalované. (It is painted blue.)

modrý vs modřina

Noun related to the color.

You can't say 'mám modré', you must say 'mám modřinu' for a bruise.

Mám na ruce modřinu.

modrý vs siný

Both refer to blue shades.

Modrý is general/healthy, siný is sickly/pale blue.

Jeho rty byly siné.

modrý vs blankytný

Both mean blue.

Blankytný is strictly for the sky and is poetic.

Blankytná obloha.

Satzmuster

To je [modrý/á/é] [noun].

To je modrá kniha.

Mám [modrý/ou/é] [noun].

Mám modrou košili.

[Noun] je [modřejší] než [noun].

Tato barva je modřejší než tamta.

V [modrém/é] [noun] se nachází...

V modrém domě se nachází obchod.

S [modrým/ou] [noun] v ruce...

S modrou vlajkou v ruce běžel vpřed.

Navzdory [modrému] [noun]...

Navzdory modrému zdání byla realita jiná.

Je [noun] [modrý/á/é]?

Je to auto modré?

Koupil jsem [compound adjective] [noun].

Koupil jsem tmavomodrý oblek.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

modř (blue color/pigment)

modřina (bruise)

modrásek (blue butterfly)

modřín (larch tree - though etymologically distinct, often associated)

Verben

modrat (to be blue/turn blue)

zmodrat (to turn blue - perfective)

pomodřit (to make something blue)

Adjektive

modravý (bluish)

modrooký (blue-eyed)

světlemodrý (light blue)

tmavomodrý (dark blue)

Verwandt

barva

nebe

inkoust

blankyt

azur

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frequency

Extremely frequent, ranked in the top 500 Czech words.

Häufige Fehler

modrý auto → modré auto
Auto is neuter, so the adjective must end in -é.
Cítím se modře. → Jsem smutný.
Blue is not used for sadness in Czech.
modrý kytka → modrá kytka
Kytka is feminine, so the adjective must end in -á.
Mám modrý oči. → Mám modré oči.
Plural feminine/inanimate masculine adjectives end in -é.
Vidím modrý oblohu. → Vidím modrou oblohu.
Obloha is feminine accusative, so the adjective ends in -ou.

Tipps

Gender Check

Always check the gender of the noun. Neuter nouns take 'modré', feminine take 'modrá', and masculine take 'modrý'.

Be Specific

Use 'světlemodrý' or 'tmavomodrý' to sound more like a native speaker when describing shades.

Parking Hack

Learn the 'modrá zóna' rules to avoid fines in Prague and Brno.

The Long Ý

Make sure to hold the final 'ý' longer than a normal 'i'. It’s a long vowel.

Don't Promise the Sky

Use 'slibovat modré z nebe' when someone is making unrealistic promises.

No Hyphens

Light blue (světlemodrý) and dark blue (tmavomodrý) are usually one word in Czech.

Eye Color

When describing eyes, 'modré oči' is the standard and most common phrase.

Case Endings

Listen for '-ou' at the end of the adjective to identify a feminine accusative object.

Formal Color

In formal writing, 'modrá barva' is often preferred over just 'modrá'.

Sky & Sea

Associate 'modrý' with 'moře' (sea) as they both start with 'mo-'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Modern' sky - it's always 'Modrý'.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a bright blue Czech 'Modrá pyramida' building standing against a clear blue sky.

Word Web

nebe voda oči inkoust svetr auto džíny borůvky

Herausforderung

Try to find five objects in your room that are 'modré' and name them aloud with the correct gender agreement.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word *modrъ. It has cognates in most Slavic languages, though the meaning can vary slightly.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Bright, shining, or blue.

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

Kultureller Kontext

No major sensitivities, but be aware that 'siný' (a shade of blue) can sound quite morbid.

Unlike English, where 'blue' often means sad, Czechs do not use 'modrý' for sadness. Also, 'blue blood' exists in both languages with the same meaning.

Modrý Mauritius (Famous stamp) Modrý tygr (Czech children's movie) Modrá laguna (The Blue Lagoon)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping for clothes

Máte to v modré barvě?
Chci ten modrý svetr.
Ta modrá mi nesluší.
Je to příliš tmavomodré.

Weather

Bude modrá obloha.
Slunce svítí na modrém nebi.
Je jasně modro.
Mraky zmizely a je modro.

Driving/Parking

Je to modrá zóna?
Můžu tu parkovat s modrou kartou?
Hledej modrou čáru.
Pokuta za parkování v modré.

Describing people

Má modré oči.
Jeho tvář byla modrá zimou.
Má modré džíny.
Je to ten modrooký kluk.

Art/Design

Použijte více modré.
Tento odstín je moc světlý.
Modrá symbolizuje klid.
Chci modré pozadí.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Jaká je tvoje oblíbená barva? Moje je modrá."

"Viděl jsi dnes tu krásně modrou oblohu?"

"Máš raději tmavomodrou nebo světlemodrou barvu?"

"Proč jsou v Praze ty modré zóny tak drahé?"

"Sluší mi tahle modrá košile, nebo si mám vzít jinou?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Popiš svůj nejoblíbenější modrý předmět, který máš doma.

Napiš o dni, kdy byla obloha tak modrá, že jsi na to nemohl zapomenout.

Jak na tebe působí modrá barva? Cítíš se klidně, nebo smutně?

Představ si, že by moře nebylo modré. Jakou barvu by mělo?

Napiš krátký příběh o člověku, který sliboval modré z nebe.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in the masculine animate plural nominative. For example, 'modří ptáci' (blue birds). This involves a consonant shift from 'r' to 'ř'.

You use the compound word 'světlemodrý'. It is written as one word and declines like 'modrý'.

No, Czech doesn't use colors for emotions in the same way English does. Use 'smutný' for sad.

It's a parking zone in Czech cities, usually reserved for residents with a specific permit.

It means 'blue blood', referring to someone of noble or aristocratic descent, just like in English.

Modrý is general blue, while azurový is a specific, bright, deep blue often associated with the sea or a very clear sky.

You can say a bruise is 'modrá', but usually you just use the noun 'modřina'.

You can say 'tmavomodrá' or 'námořnická modř'.

It is a hard adjective, following the 'mladý' pattern.

It's the name of the grape variety. The 'blue' refers to the dark, bluish-black color of the grape skins, even though the wine is red.

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