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A1 adjective 11 Min. Lesezeit

těžký

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Erklärung těžký in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'těžký' to describe physical weight and simple difficulty. You will use it to talk about your luggage ('těžký kufr'), your school bag ('těžká taška'), or a basic homework assignment ('těžký úkol'). At this stage, the focus is on basic noun-adjective agreement. You should learn that 'těžký' changes to 'těžká' for feminine nouns and 'těžké' for neuter nouns. You will likely use it with the verb 'být' (to be) to make simple statements like 'To je těžké' (That is heavy/hard). You should also learn its opposite, 'lehký' (light/easy), as they are often taught together. Understanding that one word covers both 'heavy' and 'difficult' is a key milestone for A1 learners, as it simplifies your vocabulary needs early on. You will mostly hear it in the nominative case, so don't worry too much about complex declensions yet. Just focus on identifying the gender of the object you are describing and matching 'těžký' to it. For example, if you see a big rock, you say 'těžký kámen'. If you see a difficult question on a test, you say 'těžká otázka'. This versatility makes it one of the most useful adjectives in your early Czech toolkit.

At the A2 level, you start using 'těžký' in more varied contexts and begin to explore its comparative and superlative forms. You will learn to say that one thing is 'těžší' (heavier/harder) than another, or that something is 'nejtěžší' (the heaviest/hardest). This is crucial for making choices or expressing preferences, such as 'Tato krabice je těžší než tamta' (This box is heavier than that one). You will also begin to encounter 'těžký' in common phrases related to daily life, such as 'těžký den' (a hard day) or 'těžká práce' (hard work). At this stage, you should also be careful with the distinction between 'těžký' and 'tvrdý' (hard/firm), as English uses 'hard' for both, but Czech does not. You might also start using 'těžký' in the accusative case, for example, 'Mám těžkou tašku' (I have a heavy bag). Your understanding of the word expands from just physical objects to include more abstract activities like 'těžké cvičení' (a difficult exercise) or 'těžký jazyk' (a difficult language). You are building the foundation to describe your experiences and challenges more accurately.

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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start using 'těžký' in more idiomatic and nuanced ways. You will encounter phrases like 'mít těžkou hlavu z něčeho' (to worry about something / to have a 'heavy head'). You will also see 'těžký' used in medical or serious contexts, such as 'těžká nemoc' (a serious illness) or 'těžké zranění' (a severe injury). At this level, you should be able to decline 'těžký' through all seven Czech cases, allowing you to use it in complex sentences like 'Mluvili jsme o té těžké zkoušce' (We talked about that difficult exam - locative case). You will also start to distinguish 'těžký' from its synonyms like 'obtížný' (difficult/formal) and 'náročný' (demanding). For instance, you might describe a hiking trip as 'náročná túra' because it requires a lot of energy, whereas a math problem is 'těžký úkol'. Your ability to use the adverb 'těžce' (heavily/hardly/severely) also develops, as in 'těžce dýchat' (to breathe heavily) or 'těžce raněný' (severely wounded). This level marks the transition from literal usage to more metaphorical and professional applications of the word.

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At the B2 level, 'těžký' becomes a tool for discussing abstract concepts, social issues, and technical topics. You will hear about 'těžký průmysl' (heavy industry) and its impact on the environment, or 'těžké kovy' (heavy metals) in a scientific context. You will be able to use the word to describe complex emotional states or life circumstances, such as 'těžké dětství' (a difficult childhood) or 'těžké rozhodování' (difficult decision-making). At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'těžký' in formal debates or essays. You will also recognize more sophisticated idioms, such as 'těžký kalibr' (heavy caliber / a 'big gun' in a metaphorical sense). You might use 'těžký' to describe an atmosphere, like 'těžká atmosféra v místnosti' (a heavy/tense atmosphere in the room). Your understanding of word order and emphasis will allow you to place 'těžký' strategically for stylistic effect. You will also be expected to know when *not* to use it, opting instead for words like 'komplikovaný' (complicated) or 'prekérní' (precarious) when the situation demands higher precision. This level is about mastering the breadth of the word's application in adult, professional, and intellectual spheres.

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At the C1 level, you appreciate the stylistic and literary nuances of 'těžký'. You will encounter it in classical Czech literature and poetry where it might describe 'těžký osud' (a heavy/tragic fate) or 'těžký krok' (a heavy/weary step). You understand the subtle difference between 'těžce' and 'ztěžka' (with difficulty/heavily), often used in narrative descriptions like 'Dýchal ztěžka' (He breathed with difficulty). You can use 'těžký' to describe philosophical weight or the gravity of a situation with precision. For example, 'těžká odpovědnost' (a heavy responsibility) or 'těžké dilema' (a grave dilemma). You are also familiar with historical or political terms like 'těžká léta' (the hard years) referring to specific periods of oppression or economic hardship. At this level, your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, as you pick up on the emotional 'weight' the word carries in different registers. You can also use it sarcastically or ironically, such as 'To je teda těžká pohoda' (That's some 'heavy' relaxation - meaning it's very chill). Your vocabulary is large enough that 'těžký' is just one of many options, and you choose it specifically for its connotations of mass, effort, and gravity.

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At the C2 level, you have a total mastery of 'těžký' in all its archaic, dialectal, and highly specialized forms. You can analyze its etymological roots and see how it relates to other Slavic languages. You might encounter it in legal or historical documents where 'těžký zločin' (a felony/grave crime) is discussed with specific legal implications. You understand its use in specific regional dialects or older literature where it might have slightly different shades of meaning. Your command of idioms is complete, including rare ones like 'mít těžké srdce na někoho' (to hold a grudge / have a heavy heart toward someone). You can use 'těžký' in highly abstract academic writing, perhaps in a thesis about 'těžká váha argumentů' (the heavy weight of arguments). You are also sensitive to the rhythmic and phonological properties of the word in creative writing or oratory. At this level, 'těžký' is no longer just a word; it is a versatile instrument that you use to convey precise degrees of physical mass, intellectual challenge, and emotional depth. You can effortlessly switch between the literal 'těžký kámen' and the highly metaphorical 'těžký stín minulosti' (the heavy shadow of the past).

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těžký in 30 Sekunden

Means both 'heavy' (weight) and 'difficult' (task).
Opposite of 'lehký' (light/easy).
Follows hard adjective declension (těžký, těžká, těžké).
Commonly used in idioms about worry, industry, and health.

The Czech adjective těžký is a fundamental pillar of the language, functioning as a primary descriptor for two major concepts: physical weight and mental or situational difficulty. For an English speaker, it is helpful to think of it as a direct equivalent to both 'heavy' and 'difficult' or 'hard.' This dual nature makes it incredibly frequent in daily conversation, ranging from complaining about a backpack to discussing the complexities of a university examination. In the physical sense, it describes anything that has a high mass or is hard to lift. In the abstract sense, it describes tasks that require significant effort, problems that are hard to solve, or even emotional burdens that weigh on the mind.

Physical Weight (Heavy): Used to describe objects like stones, furniture, or luggage. If you cannot lift something easily, it is těžké. For example, 'Tento kufr je velmi těžký' (This suitcase is very heavy).
Difficulty (Hard/Difficult): Used to describe abstract concepts like exams, languages, or life situations. If a math problem takes an hour to solve, it is těžký úkol (a difficult task).
Intensity and Seriousness: In medical or legal contexts, it denotes severity. A 'těžké zranění' is a serious or severe injury, not a 'heavy' one in the weight sense.

Mám v batohu moc těžké učebnice, bolí mě z toho záda.

Translation: I have very heavy textbooks in my backpack, my back hurts from it.

Understanding the declension is also vital. As a 'hard' adjective (ending in -ý), it follows the standard pattern: těžký (masculine), těžká (feminine), and těžké (neuter). This agreement with the noun is crucial for sounding natural. Beyond simple descriptions, the word carries a certain gravitas. When a Czech person says 'To je těžké,' they are often expressing empathy for a complex situation, similar to saying 'That is a tough one' in English.

Ta zkouška z matematiky byla opravdu těžká.

Translation: That math exam was really difficult.

In terms of register, 'těžký' is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from a casual chat with friends to a formal scientific report. However, in very formal academic writing, you might encounter synonyms like 'obtížný' (difficult) or 'náročný' (demanding), which specify the type of difficulty more precisely. For a beginner, mastering 'těžký' is a high-priority goal because it covers so much ground with a single root.

Je to těžké rozhodnutí, ale musíme to udělat.

Translation: It is a difficult decision, but we must do it.

Using těžký correctly requires attention to the gender and case of the noun it modifies. Because it is a 'hard' adjective, its endings change predictably. In the nominative case, you will see těžký for masculine inanimate/animate, těžká for feminine, and těžké for neuter. This is the starting point for building sentences that describe physical objects or abstract challenges.

Describing Physical Objects: When talking about weight, place the adjective before the noun. 'Těžký balík' (a heavy package), 'těžká taška' (a heavy bag), 'těžké kladivo' (a heavy hammer).
Describing Tasks and Situations: When describing difficulty, the structure remains the same. 'Těžká otázka' (a difficult question), 'těžký život' (a hard life), 'těžké cvičení' (a difficult exercise).

Nést ten těžký stůl do čtvrtého patra bylo vyčerpávající.

Translation: Carrying that heavy table to the fourth floor was exhausting.

One of the most common ways you will use this word is in the predicative position with the verb 'být' (to be). In this case, you are making a statement about the subject. 'Čeština je těžká' (Czech is difficult). 'Tento úkol je příliš těžký' (This task is too difficult). Note that the adjective must still agree with the gender of the subject. Since 'čeština' is feminine, we use 'těžká'. If we were talking about 'studium' (studying - neuter), we would say 'Studium je těžké'.

Učení se novým slovíčkům je někdy těžší, než se zdá.

Translation: Learning new vocabulary is sometimes harder than it seems.

Furthermore, 'těžký' is used in specific industry and science terms. 'Těžký průmysl' (heavy industry) refers to sectors like steel production or mining. 'Těžká voda' (heavy water) is a term used in nuclear physics. In these contexts, the word is part of a fixed compound noun phrase. When you encounter these, remember that 'těžký' isn't just a simple adjective but a technical classifier.

Ostrava byla v minulosti centrem těžkého průmyslu.

Translation: Ostrava was a center of heavy industry in the past.

In daily life in the Czech Republic, you will hear těžký everywhere, from the supermarket to the workplace. It is one of those 'high-utility' words that surfaces in countless scenarios. At the grocery store, you might hear someone say 'Ta taška je moc těžká, pomůžeš mi?' (That bag is too heavy, will you help me?). At a train station, an announcement might warn about 'těžká zavazadla' (heavy luggage) blocking the aisles. The physical weight aspect is very literal and frequent.

In Schools and Universities: Students are perhaps the biggest users of the 'difficulty' meaning. You will hear them complaining after an exam: 'To bylo strašně těžké!' (That was terribly difficult!). Professors might describe a topic as 'těžká látka' (difficult material).
In the News and Media: News anchors use it to describe serious situations. 'Těžká dopravní nehoda' (a severe traffic accident) or 'těžké ekonomické časy' (difficult economic times) are common headlines.

Lékař řekl, že pacient je v těžkém stavu.

Translation: The doctor said the patient is in a serious condition.

In a work environment, your boss might give you a 'těžký úkol' (a difficult task). Colleagues might discuss a 'těžký den' (a hard day) over a beer (pivo) in the evening. Interestingly, in the context of beverages, 'těžké víno' refers to a full-bodied, high-alcohol wine, much like the English 'heavy wine.' You will also hear it in weather reports; 'těžký vzduch' (heavy air) describes humid, oppressive weather before a storm.

Venku je dneska hrozně těžký vzduch, asi bude pršet.

Translation: The air is very heavy outside today, it will probably rain.

Culturally, Czechs value hard work and resilience, so the word 'těžký' often carries a sense of respect when applied to a person's life or achievements. If someone says 'Měl to v životě těžké' (He had it hard in life), it is an expression of deep sympathy. In sports, a 'těžký soupeř' (a tough opponent) is someone who commands respect due to their skill and strength.

Byl to těžký zápas, ale nakonec jsme vyhráli.

Translation: It was a difficult match, but we won in the end.

While těžký seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble on its specific Czech nuances. The most common mistake is confusing 'těžký' (heavy/difficult) with 'tvrdý' (hard/firm). In English, 'hard' can mean both 'firm to the touch' and 'difficult.' In Czech, these are strictly separated. If you say a math problem is 'tvrdý,' a Czech person might think you are describing the physical texture of the paper it is written on.

Confusing 'Těžký' vs. 'Tvrdý': Use těžký for difficulty (exams, tasks) and weight. Use tvrdý for physical hardness (a hard bed, hard wood) or strictness (a hard teacher).
Gender Agreement Errors: A common beginner mistake is using the masculine form 'těžký' for everything. Remember: 'těžká práce' (feminine), 'těžké závaží' (neuter).

Incorrect: Ta zkouška byla tvrdá.
Correct: Ta zkouška byla těžká.

Note: Unless you mean the exam was 'harsh/brutal' in a specific sense, use 'těžká'.

Another error involves the word 'obtížný'. While 'těžký' and 'obtížný' both mean 'difficult,' 'obtížný' is slightly more formal and is almost never used for physical weight. You cannot have an 'obtížný kufr' (difficult suitcase) unless the suitcase is somehow being annoying or persistent in a metaphorical way. Stick to 'těžký' for weight and 'těžký' or 'obtížný' for tasks.

Incorrect: Mám obtížnou krabici.
Correct: Mám těžkou krabici.

Translation: I have a heavy box.

Finally, watch out for the adverbial form. In English, we say 'I am working hard.' In Czech, you don't say 'pracuju těžce' in most normal contexts (that would mean you are working in a physically or emotionally agonizing way). Instead, you say 'hodně pracuju' (I work a lot) or 'pracuju pilně' (I work diligently). 'Těžce' is reserved for serious contexts like 'těžce raněný' (severely wounded) or 'těžce vydělané peníze' (hard-earned money).

To jsou moje těžce vydělané peníze.

Translation: This is my hard-earned money.

To truly enrich your Czech vocabulary, you should know when to use těžký and when to opt for a more specific alternative. While 'těžký' is a great 'all-purpose' word, using synonyms can make your speech sound more sophisticated and precise. Here is a breakdown of how it compares to its closest relatives.

Těžký vs. Obtížný: 'Těžký' is the everyday word for 'difficult.' 'Obtížný' is more formal and often implies that something is 'troublesome' or 'arduous.' You might have an 'obtížný hmyz' (troublesome/annoying insect), but never a 'těžký hmyz' unless it weighs 10 kilograms.
Těžký vs. Náročný: 'Náročný' translates to 'demanding.' It is used when a task requires a lot of time, energy, or resources. A 'náročný klient' is a demanding client. 'Těžký' might imply the task is hard to solve, while 'náročný' implies it takes a lot out of you.
Těžký vs. Složitý: 'Složitý' means 'complex' or 'complicated.' A watch mechanism is 'složitý.' A math problem can be both 'těžký' (hard to do) and 'složitý' (having many parts).

Tato práce je velmi náročná na čas.

Translation: This work is very demanding of time.

When it comes to physical weight, alternatives are fewer. You might use 'masivní' (massive) for large, heavy objects or 'hmotný' (material/substantial) in more philosophical or scientific contexts. If something is exceptionally heavy, you can use the prefix 'vele-' (very/grand), though 'velmi těžký' is much more common. In slang, something difficult might be called a 'záhul' (noun), as in 'To byl ale záhul!' (That was a real struggle!).

Je to složitý problém, který nemá jednoduché řešení.

Translation: It is a complex problem that has no simple solution.

In summary, while 'těžký' is your best friend for 90% of situations, keep 'náročný' for demanding people/tasks and 'složitý' for complicated systems in your back pocket. This will help you transition from a beginner to an intermediate speaker who can express nuance.

Dnešní trénink byl opravdu namáhavý.

Translation: Today's training was truly strenuous/laborious.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The same root '*tęg-' gave rise to the Czech word 'táhnout' (to pull) and 'touha' (desire/longing - a 'pulling' of the heart).

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈtjeʃkiː/

US /ˈtjeʃkiː/

On the first syllable (těž-).

Reimt sich auf

vnější pěší svěží běží leží stěží sněží věží

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'ě' as a simple 'e' instead of palatalizing the 't'.
Pronouncing 'ž' as 'zh' instead of 'sh' (it devoices before 'k').
Shortening the final 'ý'.
Ignoring the 't' palatalization entirely.
Confusing the spelling 'tě' with 'te'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

The word is short and easy to recognize in text once the 'ž' and 'ý' are learned.

Schreiben 2/5

Spelling 'těžký' with 'ě' and 'ž' requires some practice for beginners.

Sprechen 3/5

The palatalized 'tě' and the devoiced 'ž' (sounding like 'sh') can be tricky to pronounce correctly.

Hören 2/5

It is a very distinct-sounding word and usually clear in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

být (to be) velmi (very) mít (to have) jazyk (language) věc (thing)

Als Nächstes lernen

lehký (light/easy) obtížný (difficult) náročný (demanding) složitý (complex) tvrdý (hard/firm)

Fortgeschritten

ztížit (to complicate) těžiště (focus/gravity center) těžkopádnost (clumsiness) těžce (severely) tíha (burden)

Wichtige Grammatik

Hard Adjective Declension

těžký (M), těžká (F), těžké (N)

Adjective-Noun Agreement

těžký kufr (M), těžká taška (F)

Comparison of Adjectives

těžký -> těžší -> nejtěžší

Adverb Formation

těžký -> těžce / těžko

Devoicing of Consonants

The 'ž' in 'těžký' is pronounced as 'š' [ʃ] before 'k'.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Tento kufr je velmi těžký.

This suitcase is very heavy.

Nominative masculine singular adjective 'těžký' modifying 'kufr'.

Čeština je těžký jazyk.

Czech is a difficult language.

Here 'těžký' means 'difficult'.

Mám v tašce těžké knihy.

I have heavy books in my bag.

Accusative plural 'těžké' (feminine plural 'knihy').

Je to těžká otázka.

It is a difficult question.

Feminine singular 'těžká' matching 'otázka'.

Tento úkol není těžký.

This task is not difficult.

Negation 'není' with the adjective.

Ten kámen je moc těžký.

That stone is too heavy.

Adverb 'moc' (too/very) modifying the adjective.

Máš těžký batoh?

Do you have a heavy backpack?

Interrogative sentence.

To je těžké!

That is heavy/hard!

Neuter singular 'těžké' used as an abstract exclamation.

Tato krabice je těžší než tamta.

This box is heavier than that one.

Comparative form 'těžší'.

Byl to pro mě těžký den.

It was a hard day for me.

Preposition 'pro' with accusative 'mě'.

Matematika je nejtěžší předmět.

Math is the hardest subject.

Superlative form 'nejtěžší'.

Musím nosit těžké balíky.

I have to carry heavy packages.

Modal verb 'musím' with infinitive 'nosit'.

To jídlo bylo moc těžké.

That food was too heavy (rich).

Past tense 'bylo'.

Měli jsme těžkou zkoušku.

We had a difficult exam.

Accusative feminine singular 'těžkou'.

Je těžké se to naučit.

It is difficult to learn it.

Impersonal construction 'je těžké'.

Tento počítač je docela těžký.

This computer is quite heavy.

Adverb 'docela' (quite/fairly).

Pacient je v těžkém stavu.

The patient is in a serious condition.

Locative case 'v těžkém stavu'.

Mám z toho těžkou hlavu.

I am worried about it (I have a heavy head from it).

Idiomatic expression.

Byla to těžká dopravní nehoda.

It was a severe traffic accident.

Adjective describing severity.

Pracuje v těžkém průmyslu.

He works in heavy industry.

Fixed collocation.

Je to pro ni těžké rozhodnutí.

It is a difficult decision for her.

Dative pronoun 'ni' after 'pro'.

Těžce se mi dýchá.

It is hard for me to breathe.

Adverb 'těžce' in a dative construction.

Procházíme těžkým obdobím.

We are going through a difficult period.

Instrumental case 'těžkým obdobím'.

To jsou těžce vydělané peníze.

That is hard-earned money.

Adverbial participle usage.

V místnosti byla těžká atmosféra.

There was a heavy atmosphere in the room.

Metaphorical use for tension.

Těžké kovy jsou nebezpečné pro zdraví.

Heavy metals are dangerous for health.

Scientific terminology.

Měl velmi těžké dětství.

He had a very difficult childhood.

Describing life history.

Je to člověk těžké váhy.

He is a heavyweight person (literally or metaphorically).

Genitive case 'těžké váhy'.

Tento problém je těžko řešitelný.

This problem is difficult to solve.

Compound adjective 'těžko' + 'řešitelný'.

Utrpěl těžké zranění hlavy.

He suffered a serious head injury.

Describing medical severity.

Vzduch byl těžký a vlhký.

The air was heavy and humid.

Describing weather/environment.

Je to těžký hřích.

It is a grave sin.

Theological/moral context.

S těžkým srdcem musel odejít.

With a heavy heart, he had to leave.

Instrumental case 's těžkým srdcem'.

Nese na svých bedrech těžkou odpovědnost.

He carries a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

Idiomatic literary expression.

Těžce nesl její kritiku.

He took her criticism hard.

Adverbial usage 'těžce nést'.

Byla to léta těžké nesvobody.

Those were years of heavy oppression/lack of freedom.

Abstract political context.

Dýchal ztěžka po dlouhém běhu.

He breathed heavily after a long run.

Adverb 'ztěžka' implying effort.

To je otázka těžkého kalibru.

That is a 'heavy caliber' question (very serious/difficult).

Metaphorical idiom.

Měl těžký osud, ale nikdy si nestěžoval.

He had a tragic fate, but never complained.

Literary use of 'osud'.

Těžká technika vyjela do ulic.

Heavy machinery/equipment went out into the streets.

Military or industrial collective noun.

Filosof se zamýšlel nad těžkou vahou bytí.

The philosopher pondered the heavy weight of being.

Existential metaphorical use.

Obžalovaný se dopustil těžkého zločinu proti lidskosti.

The defendant committed a grave crime against humanity.

Legal terminology.

Jeho slova dopadla na přítomné s těžkou naléhavostí.

His words fell upon those present with heavy urgency.

Rhetorical/stylistic usage.

Krajina byla přikryta těžkým příkrovem mlhy.

The landscape was covered with a heavy shroud of fog.

Poetic description.

Měl na ni těžké srdce už od dětství.

He had held a grudge against her since childhood.

Idiom 'mít na někoho těžké srdce'.

Těžké kovy sedimentovaly na dně řeky.

Heavy metals sedimented at the bottom of the river.

Technical scientific context.

Byl to těžký, až archaický způsob mluvy.

It was a heavy, even archaic way of speaking.

Describing linguistic style.

V té básni je cítit těžká melancholie.

One can feel a heavy melancholy in that poem.

Artistic/emotional weight.

Häufige Kollokationen

těžký kufr

těžká zkouška

těžký průmysl

těžké zranění

těžký kov

těžké rozhodnutí

těžký vzduch

těžká práce

těžký úkol

těžký osud

Häufige Phrasen

To je těžký.

— That's hard / That's a tough one. Used to express empathy or acknowledge a problem.

Nevím, co dělat. - No, to je těžký.

Těžká věc.

— A difficult matter. Often used when discussing a complicated issue.

S těmi daněmi je to těžká věc.

Těžký den.

— A hard day. Used when one is tired from work or stress.

Měl jsem dneska hrozně těžký den.

Těžká váha.

— Heavyweight. Used in sports or to describe an influential person.

On je v politice těžká váha.

Těžké časy.

— Hard times. Refers to periods of economic or personal hardship.

Přicházejí těžké časy.

Těžká hlava.

— A worried mind. Used in the idiom 'mít těžkou hlavu'.

Z té hypotéky mám těžkou hlavu.

Těžká technika.

— Heavy machinery. Refers to construction or military equipment.

Na stavbu přijela těžká technika.

Těžká voda.

— Heavy water. A specific scientific term used in nuclear contexts.

V reaktoru se používá těžká voda.

Těžké boty.

— Heavy boots. Often refers to work boots or winter boots.

Vezmi si na hory těžké boty.

Těžký případ.

— A difficult case. Used by doctors, lawyers, or police.

Tohle je opravdu těžký případ.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

těžký vs tvrdý

English 'hard' covers both, but Czech 'tvrdý' is only for physical firmness or strictness.

těžký vs obtížný

Similar meaning of 'difficult', but 'obtížný' is more formal and never used for weight.

těžký vs těžce

The adverb; often confused with 'těžko' which can mean 'hardly' or 'it is difficult'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Mít těžkou hlavu z něčeho"

— To worry deeply about something. It suggests that the problem is weighing on your mind.

Mám z toho testu těžkou hlavu.

informal/neutral

"Spadl mu kámen ze srdce"

— To feel a great sense of relief (literally: a stone fell from his heart). Related to 'těžký' because the burden was heavy.

Když tu zkoušku udělal, spadl mu kámen ze srdce.

neutral

"Mít těžkou ruku"

— To be heavy-handed, either physically clumsy or overly harsh in discipline.

Otec měl na děti těžkou ruku.

neutral

"Být v těžké depresi"

— To be deeply depressed. The word 'těžký' intensifies the emotional state.

Po rozchodu byl v těžké depresi.

neutral

"Těžký kalibr"

— A 'big gun' or a very powerful/serious argument or person.

Vytáhl na nás těžký kalibr.

informal

"Mít na někoho těžké srdce"

— To hold a grudge or feel resentment toward someone.

Pořád na něj má těžké srdce kvůli té lži.

literary

"Těžce nesl..."

— To take something hard (to be very upset by something).

Těžce nesl, že ho nepovýšili.

neutral

"Lehký jako pírko, těžký jako olovo"

— Light as a feather, heavy as lead. A common comparison.

Ten batoh je těžký jako olovo.

neutral

"Těžký život"

— A hard life. Used to describe a life full of struggles.

Babička měla velmi těžký život.

neutral

"Dýchat ztěžka"

— To breathe with great difficulty.

Stařec dýchal ztěžka.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

těžký vs tvrdý

Both translate to 'hard' in English.

Těžký means heavy/difficult. Tvrdý means firm/solid (like a rock or a bed).

Tato matrace je moc tvrdá (firm). Tato krabice je moc těžká (heavy).

těžký vs obtížný

Both translate to 'difficult'.

Těžký is for weight and difficulty. Obtížný is only for difficulty and is more formal.

Obtížný hmyz (annoying insect). Těžký kufr (heavy suitcase).

těžký vs náročný

Both imply something is not easy.

Náročný means 'demanding' (requires time/energy). Těžký means 'hard to solve/lift'.

Náročný šéf (demanding boss). Těžký test (difficult test).

těžký vs složitý

Both describe hard tasks.

Složitý means 'complex' (many parts). Těžký means 'difficult' (requires effort).

Složitý stroj (complex machine). Těžká otázka (difficult question).

těžký vs vážný

Both can describe bad situations.

Vážný means 'serious' or 'solemn'. Těžký means 'severe' or 'hard to bear'.

Vážná hudba (classical music). Těžké zranění (severe injury).

Satzmuster

[Noun] + je + těžký/á/é.

Kufr je těžký.

To je + těžký/á/é + [Noun].

To je těžký úkol.

[Noun1] + je + těžší + než + [Noun2].

Tento úkol je těžší než tamten.

Mám + [Adjective in Accusative] + [Noun in Accusative].

Mám těžkou tašku.

Je + těžké + [Infinitive].

Je těžké to pochopit.

Mít + těžkou hlavu + z + [Genitive].

Mám těžkou hlavu z práce.

[Noun] + v + těžkém + [Noun in Locative].

Pacient v těžkém stavu.

S + těžkým + [Noun in Instrumental].

S těžkým srdcem souhlasil.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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frequency

Extremely high; top 500 words in Czech.

Häufige Fehler

Using 'těžký' for a hard surface. → tvrdý
You should use 'tvrdý' for physical hardness (like a hard floor) and 'těžký' for weight or difficulty.
Ta zkouška byla tvrdá. → Ta zkouška byla těžká.
While 'hard' works for exams in English, in Czech, exams are 'těžké' (difficult).
Mám těžký hlavu. → Mám těžkou hlavu.
Adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'hlava' in the accusative case ('těžkou').
Pracuju těžce. → Hodně pracuju / Tvrdě pracuju.
'Těžce' implies suffering or extreme severity. To say 'I work hard', use 'tvrdě' or 'hodně'.
Těžký hmyz. → Obtížný hmyz.
If bugs are annoying you, they are 'obtížný' (troublesome), not 'těžký' (heavy).

Tipps

Gender Agreement

Always look at the ending of the noun. If it ends in -a (feminine), use 'těžká'. If it's a consonant (masculine), use 'těžký'. If it's -o (neuter), use 'těžké'.

The Opposite

Learn 'lehký' at the same time. Since both words have dual meanings (heavy/difficult vs light/easy), they form a perfect symmetrical pair.

The Devoicing Rule

Remember that 'ž' becomes 'sh' before 'k'. This is a standard rule in Czech phonology called regressive assimilation.

Těžký vs Tvrdý

Never use 'těžký' for physical hardness. If a bed is uncomfortable because it's like a rock, it's 'tvrdá', not 'těžká'.

Worrying

Use 'mít těžkou hlavu' to sound more like a native speaker when you are stressed about something.

Medical Severity

In a hospital context, 'těžký' always means 'serious' or 'critical'. 'Těžký stav' is a critical condition.

Comparative Spelling

Note that in 'těžší', the 'k' disappears and the 'ž' changes to 'žš'. This is a common pattern for adjectives ending in -ký.

Avoid Repetition

If you find yourself using 'těžký' too much in a story, try 'náročný' for effort or 'složitý' for complexity.

Heavy Meals

When a Czech person warns you about 'těžké jídlo', they mean it will make you feel very full and sleepy!

Listen for 'To je těžký'

You will hear this phrase constantly in movies and real life. It's the ultimate Czech expression of 'It's complicated'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'TIE' that is too 'SKEE' (heavy/hard). Or imagine 'T-Rex' (Těž-) trying to lift a 'Key' (-ký) that is surprisingly heavy.

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a giant, heavy 'T' made of lead sitting on top of a difficult math equation.

Word Web

Weight Difficulty Serious Industry Heavy Metals Hard Life Hard Work Relief (Stone fell)

Herausforderung

Try to find three things in your room that are 'těžké' (physical) and one thing in your life right now that is 'těžké' (abstract).

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Proto-Slavic word '*tęžьkъ', which comes from the root '*tęg-' meaning to pull or stretch.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally related to the tension felt when pulling something heavy or the effort required to stretch something.

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

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral and safe to use.

English speakers should note that 'těžký' does not mean 'hard' in the sense of 'firm'. Don't call a hard floor 'těžká podlaha'.

The phrase 'Nesnesitelná lehkost bytí' (The Unbearable Lightness of Being) by Milan Kundera plays on the opposite of 'těžký'. Těžkej Pokondr (a famous Czech comedy musical duo). Těžká Barbora (a famous play by Voskovec and Werich).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At School

To je těžký test.
Máme těžký úkol.
Matematika je těžká.
Je to nejtěžší otázka.

Traveling

Můj kufr je moc těžký.
Pomůžete mi s tou těžkou taškou?
To zavazadlo je příliš těžké.
Nenoste těžké věci.

Work

Měl jsem těžký den.
Je to těžká práce.
Dostal jsem těžký úkol.
Těžký průmysl je důležitý.

Health

Má těžké zranění.
Je to těžký případ.
Těžce se mi dýchá.
Pacient je v těžkém stavu.

Cooking

To jídlo je moc těžké.
Těžké víno.
Těžká omáčka.
Mám po tom jídle těžký žaludek.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Byla pro tebe čeština ze začátku těžká?"

"Měl jsi dneska v práci těžký den?"

"Který předmět ve škole byl pro tebe nejtěžší?"

"Je tento balík pro tebe moc těžký, nebo ho uneseš?"

"Co je podle tebe nejtěžší rozhodnutí v životě?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Popiš nejtěžší den, který jsi tento měsíc zažil.

Je pro tebe těžší mluvit, nebo psát v cizím jazyce? Proč?

Napiš o věci, která je fyzicky těžká, ale máš ji rád.

Jaké je nejtěžší rozhodnutí, které jsi kdy musel udělat?

Myslíš si, že život v minulosti byl těžší než dnes?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it is very commonly used to mean 'difficult' or 'hard'. For example, 'těžká zkouška' means a difficult exam, not a heavy one. However, it *can* also mean physically heavy, like 'těžký kámen' (a heavy stone). You have to look at the noun it is describing to know which meaning is intended.

The main difference is register and scope. 'Těžký' is much more common and can be used for both weight and difficulty. 'Obtížný' is more formal and is only used for difficulty, often implying something is 'troublesome' or 'burdensome'. In casual speech, always use 'těžký'.

You do not use 'těžký'. Instead, you use the word 'pracovitý' (hard-working/industrious) or 'pilný' (diligent). If you want to say someone is 'working hard' right now, you say 'tvrdě pracuje' (working hard/firmly) or 'hodně pracuje' (working a lot).

No, for spicy food, Czechs use 'pálivý' or 'ostrý'. 'Těžké jídlo' refers to food that is heavy in the stomach, like fatty meats, creamy sauces, or large portions of dumplings.

Because it is followed by the letter 'k', which is a voiceless consonant, the 'ž' is 'devoiced' and sounds like 'š' (the English 'sh' sound). So, it sounds like 'tyesh-kee'.

Yes, but be careful. If you say 'On je těžký,' it usually means he is physically heavy (overweight). If you want to say someone is 'difficult' to deal with, you would say 'On je náročný' or 'Je s ním těžká domluva' (It's hard to agree with him).

The comparative form is 'těžší' (heavier/harder). For example: 'Čeština je těžší než angličtina.' The superlative is 'nejtěžší' (the heaviest/hardest).

It is an idiom meaning to be worried or preoccupied with a problem. 'Mám z toho těžkou hlavu' means 'I'm really worried about that.'

Yes, especially in medical and legal contexts. 'Těžké zranění' is a serious/severe injury, and 'těžký zločin' is a serious crime/felony.

The ending changes to '-ou'. For example, 'taška' (bag) becomes 'Mám těžkou tašku' (I have a heavy bag).

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