zavřený

The Czech word zavřený is a fundamental adjective that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'closed' or 'shut' in English. It is the passive participle of the verb zavřít (to close), which has transitioned into a fully functional adjective. Understanding this word is essential for navigating daily life in the Czech Republic, from checking if a grocery store is open to knowing if a window should be shut against the cold Bohemian wind. In a physical sense, it describes objects that have been moved to a position that prevents passage or access, such as doors, windows, gates, or containers. However, its utility extends far beyond simple physical barriers. It is used to describe businesses that are not operating, eyes that are not looking, and even metaphorical states of mind or legal cases. The word undergoes standard Czech adjectival declension, meaning its ending changes based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies: zavřený (masculine), zavřená (feminine), and zavřené (neuter). This flexibility allows it to fit into almost any sentence structure where the state of being 'not open' needs to be expressed.

Physical State

Refers to doors, windows, or lids that are in a closed position. For example, 'Dveře jsou zavřené' (The doors are closed).

Business Status

Indicates that a shop, restaurant, or institution is not currently open for customers. You will often see the sign 'Zavřeno' (Closed) on shop windows.

Abstract/Social

Can describe a person who is introverted or 'closed off' (zavřený do sebe), or a group that is exclusive.

When using zavřený, it is important to distinguish it from its more formal cousin, uzavřený. While zavřený is the everyday term for a closed door, uzavřený often implies a more permanent or official state, like a closed contract or a closed society. For an A1 learner, sticking to zavřený for physical objects and business hours is the safest and most common route. You will encounter this word on signs, in weather reports (closed roads), and in social settings (closed eyes during sleep). The versatility of the word is further highlighted by its use in compound meanings, such as describing someone 'locked up' in prison, though usually, the context makes this distinction clear. In the Czech linguistic landscape, zavřený serves as a gatekeeper word—knowing it allows you to understand the basic accessibility of the world around you.

The history of the word is rooted in the Proto-Slavic verb *verti, which related to the act of turning or covering. This suggests that the original concept of being 'closed' was about 'turning' a barrier into place. Today, the word feels very modern and is used in digital contexts as well—a 'closed' file or a 'closed' tab in a browser would use the same root. Learners should also be aware of the opposite: otevřený (open). These two words form a binary pair that is central to basic Czech communication. Whether you are talking about a book, a bottle of beer, or a bank account, zavřený provides the necessary vocabulary to describe its inaccessible state. Its pronunciation is straightforward, but the 'vř' cluster can be a challenge for English speakers. Practicing the transition from the 'v' to the raised 'ř' is key to sounding like a native. Remember, the word describes a state resulting from an action, which is why it feels so definitive. When something is zavřený, the action of closing is complete, and the state is now static.

Agreement Rule

Always match the ending to the noun. Masc: zavřený kufr. Fem: zavřená kniha. Neut: zavřené okno. Plural: zavřené dveře.

Using zavřený correctly in sentences requires an understanding of Czech adjective-noun agreement and the distinction between the adjective and the short-form participle. For most learners, the long-form adjective (ending in -ý, -á, -é) is the most versatile. It can be used attributively (before the noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like 'být' - to be). When you say 'The shop is closed,' you are using it predicatively: 'Obchod je zavřený.' Note that in Czech, we often omit the subject 'it' or 'there,' so a sign simply says 'Zavřeno.' This 'Zavřeno' is technically the neuter short form, functioning as an adverbial status. In everyday speech, however, you will mostly use the full adjective to describe objects. If you are talking about plural objects, such as 'closed eyes,' the ending changes to zavřené (zavřené oči). If you are talking about a closed door (dveře - which is always plural in Czech), you must use the plural form: 'Dveře jsou zavřené.'

Attributive Use

Placed before the noun: 'Vidím zavřený obchod' (I see a closed shop). Here, the adjective describes the noun directly.

Predicative Use

Placed after 'to be': 'Ten obchod je dnes zavřený' (That shop is closed today). This is the most common way to state a status.

One interesting aspect of zavřený is its use in the accusative case, which is common when you are doing something with a closed object. For example, 'Dívám se na zavřenou bránu' (I am looking at the closed gate). Because 'brána' is feminine, the adjective changes to 'zavřenou'. This grammatical dance is what makes Czech both challenging and precise. Furthermore, zavřený can be used metaphorically to describe a person's personality. A 'zavřený člověk' is someone who is guarded or uncommunicative. In this context, it doesn't mean they are physically shut, but that their emotions are not 'open' to others. This mirrors the English use of 'closed-off.' You might also hear it in the context of a 'zavřená společnost' (a closed society or a private party). If you go to a bar and see a sign saying 'Zavřená společnost,' it means the venue has been rented out for a private event and you cannot enter.

In more complex sentence structures, zavřený can be part of a resultative construction. For example, 'Nechal jsem okno zavřené' (I left the window closed). Here, the adjective describes the state in which the object was left. This is a very natural way to speak in Czech. Another common usage is in the negative: 'není zavřený' (is not closed). While you could say 'je otevřený' (is open), saying 'není zavřený' can sometimes imply that it should be closed but isn't. Context is key. In technical or legal Czech, you might see zavřený used for 'closed cases' (zavřený případ), although 'uzavřený' is more frequent there. As you progress to B1 and B2 levels, you will start to notice how zavřený interacts with prefixes to create new meanings, but at its core, the adjective remains a stable indicator of closure. Whether you are describing a 'zavřený kruh' (closed circle) or a 'zavřená láhev' (closed bottle), the logic remains consistent: the object is in a state where access is restricted.

Common Pairs

Zavřený obchod (Closed shop), Zavřené oči (Closed eyes), Zavřené okno (Closed window), Zavřená pusa (Closed mouth/Shut up).

The most common place you will encounter the word zavřený (or its variant zavřeno) is in the Czech retail and service sector. Walking down the streets of Prague, Brno, or any small village, you will see signs hanging on doors. A simple wooden or plastic sign that says ZAVŘENO tells you immediately that the establishment is not open. You might also see DNES ZAVŘENO (Closed today). In spoken Czech, if you ask a passerby if the local 'potraviny' (grocery store) is open, they might respond, 'Ne, už mají zavřeno' (No, they are already closed). Here, 'zavřeno' acts as an impersonal adverbial phrase, which is a very common way to express the state of a business. Another frequent auditory encounter is in public transport. While the automated announcements usually use the verb 'Dveře se zavírají' (The doors are closing), a passenger might say to another, 'Ty dveře jsou zavřené, musíte zmáčknout tlačítko' (Those doors are closed, you have to press the button).

At the Post Office

You might hear: 'Tato přepážka je nyní zavřená.' (This counter is now closed.)

In a Restaurant

Waiters often say: 'Kuchyně je už bohužel zavřená.' (The kitchen is unfortunately already closed.)

In a domestic setting, parents often tell their children, 'Měj ty dveře zavřené!' (Keep those doors closed!) to keep the heat in or the noise out. During the winter months in Czechia, keeping doors and windows zavřené is a matter of practical necessity to avoid 'průvan' (draft), which many Czechs believe causes illness. You will also hear this word in the news, particularly regarding borders or roads. For instance, 'Hranice zůstávají zavřené' (The borders remain closed) was a frequent phrase during the pandemic years. In a more metaphorical sense, if someone is talking about a person who is hard to get to know, they might say, 'On je do sebe zavřený' (He is closed into himself). This highlights the psychological depth of the word beyond simple mechanics. In sports, a commentator might say that the defense is 'zavřená' (closed/tight), meaning the opposing team cannot find a way through.

Another place you'll hear it is in the context of 'zavřená kapitola' (a closed chapter) of one's life. This is used just as it is in English to signify that something is finished and one has moved on. In the legal system, a 'zavřené jednání' is a closed hearing, not open to the public. If you are a fan of Czech cinema or literature, you will notice the word appearing in titles or descriptions of atmospheric, claustrophobic settings. For example, 'Zavřené pokoje' (Closed rooms) is a common trope in mystery stories. Even in the digital world, a Czech person might say, 'Máš zavřený profil na Facebooku?' (Do you have a closed/private profile on Facebook?). This modern adaptation shows how the word continues to evolve. Finally, in the kitchen, you might hear 'Ujistěte se, že je trouba zavřená' (Make sure the oven is closed). From the most mundane household tasks to complex legal proceedings, zavřený is a linguistic workhorse that you will hear dozens of times a day.

Public Signs

ZAVŘENO (Closed), PRO VEŘEJNOST ZAVŘENO (Closed to the public), DNES ZAVŘENO (Closed today).

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using zavřený is confusing it with the English word 'close' meaning 'near.' In English, 'close' is a homonym: it can mean 'shut' (verb/adjective) or 'nearby' (adjective). In Czech, these are two completely different words. 'Near' is blízko or blízký. If you say 'Obchod je zavřený' when you mean 'The shop is nearby,' a Czech person will think you are telling them the shop is not open. Always remember: zavřený = shut, blízko = nearby. Another common error is failing to match the gender and number of the adjective to the noun. Because English adjectives don't change, learners often default to the masculine 'zavřený' for everything. Saying 'zavřený okno' instead of the correct neuter 'zavřené okno' or 'zavřený dveře' instead of 'zavřené dveře' (since 'dveře' is plural) are typical slips. While people will understand you, it sounds jarring to native ears.

The 'Close' Homonym Trap

Mistake: Using 'zavřený' to mean 'near'. Correct: Use 'blízko' for distance and 'zavřený' for status.

Agreement Errors

Mistake: 'Moje oči jsou zavřený'. Correct: 'Moje oči jsou zavřené' (Plural agreement).

Another nuance that trips up learners is the difference between zavřený and uzavřený. As mentioned before, zavřený is the everyday term for physical closure. Uzavřený is more formal and often implies a sense of completion, finality, or exclusivity. For example, you 'zavřete' a door, but you 'uzavřete' a contract (smlouvu) or a deal. If you use zavřený for a contract, it sounds like you physically folded the paper, rather than legally concluding the agreement. Furthermore, pay attention to the word zamčený (locked). A door can be zavřený but not zamčený. In English, we sometimes say 'Is the door closed?' when we really mean 'Is it locked?' In Czech, being specific is important. If you want to know if you need a key, ask 'Je to zamčené?'. If you just want to know if the door is shut to keep the cat in, ask 'Je to zavřené?'.

A subtle mistake occurs with the word 'zavřeno'. This is an adverbial form used as a status. Beginners often try to use it as a normal adjective: 'To je zavřeno obchod.' This is incorrect. It should be 'To je zavřený obchod.' You use 'zavřeno' only when stating the status of a place without a noun immediately following it, or when using the verb 'mít' (to have): 'Mají zavřeno' (They have [it] closed / They are closed). Also, be careful with the word 'closeness' in terms of intimacy. That is blízkost, not anything related to zavřený. Lastly, avoid using 'zavřený' for 'turned off' regarding electronics. For lights or computers, use vypnutý. If you say the TV is 'zavřená', people might think you put a cover over it or physically closed a cabinet it sits in. Precision in these categories will elevate your Czech from 'understandable' to 'natural'.

Electronics Status

Use 'vypnutý' (off) vs 'zapnutý' (on). 'Zavřený' is only for physical lids/doors.

While zavřený is the most common word for 'closed,' the Czech language offers several alternatives depending on the context and the level of formality. Understanding these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most prominent alternative is uzavřený. This word is often preferred in formal, technical, or metaphorical contexts. For example, a 'closed system' in science is 'uzavřený systém,' and a 'closed society' is 'uzavřená společnost.' It carries a sense of being sealed or complete. Another related word is přivřený, which means 'ajar' or 'half-closed.' This is a very useful word if you want to be more specific than just 'closed.' If a door is not fully shut, you would say it is 'přivřené.' On the opposite end of the spectrum, if something is tightly shut or sealed, you might use utěsněný (sealed) or zacpaný (clogged/plugged).

Uzavřený

More formal. Used for contracts, systems, and exclusive groups. Example: 'Uzavřený kruh přátel' (A closed circle of friends).

Přivřený

Partially closed or ajar. Example: 'Nechte dveře jen přivřené.' (Leave the door just ajar).

Zamčený

Locked with a key. This is a specific state of being closed. Example: 'Kufr je zamčený.' (The suitcase is locked).

In the context of businesses, you might also see mimo provoz (out of service). While this doesn't literally mean 'closed,' it has the same practical effect—you cannot use the service. For instance, an elevator or a public toilet might be 'mimo provoz' instead of 'zavřený.' If a shop has permanently closed down, you would use the verb zrušený (canceled/closed down) or say 'prodejna byla zrušena.' For a more poetic or literary way to say closed, you might encounter uzamčený, which is a more formal version of 'locked.' In everyday slang, especially among younger people, you might hear 'je to pasé' (that's over/closed), though this is very informal and refers to situations rather than objects. Another important distinction is neotevřený (unopened). This is specifically used for things like letters, bottles, or packages that have never been opened yet.

When describing people, instead of 'zavřený,' you could use introvertní (introverted) or málomluvný (taciturn/quiet). These are more descriptive adjectives for someone's personality. If someone is being 'closed-minded,' the Czechs use the phrase omezený (limited) or mít klapky na očích (to have blinkers on). In the world of fashion or design, a 'closed' collar might be described as vysoký límec or ke krku. As you can see, while zavřený is the foundation, the language provides a rich palette of words to describe every specific type of 'not being open.' By learning these alternatives, you can express yourself with much greater precision and nuance, moving beyond the basic level of communication into more sophisticated Czech.

Status Comparison

Zavřeno: Temporary/Normal. Zrušeno: Permanent. Mimo provoz: Technical failure.