Bedeutung
Someone known for a long time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Class reunions (stretávky) are a major cultural event. People often remain 'starí priatelia' with their high school classmates for their entire lives. The 'tykanie' (informal you) vs 'vykanie' (formal you) distinction is key. You always 'tykáš' (use informal you) with a 'starý priateľ'. Historically, a 'starý priateľ' was someone from a neighboring family, implying a bond that spanned generations. In cities, 'starý priateľ' is often used for university friends who moved away but stayed in touch.
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'stará priateľka' for women. Using the masculine for a woman sounds like a grammatical error.
Don't say 'Antique'
Never use 'starožitný' for people. It's only for objects like clocks or vases.
Bedeutung
Someone known for a long time.
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'stará priateľka' for women. Using the masculine for a woman sounds like a grammatical error.
Don't say 'Antique'
Never use 'starožitný' for people. It's only for objects like clocks or vases.
The 'Ty' Factor
If someone is your 'starý priateľ', you should always use the informal 'ty' (you). Using 'vy' (formal) would be very strange.
Plural Form
Remember the plural 'starí priatelia' uses a soft 'í' because it's masculine animate.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of 'starý priateľ' in the Accusative case.
Včera som stretol _______ (starý priateľ) v kine.
The verb 'stretol som' requires the Accusative case for the object.
Which sentence correctly describes a female friend you've known for a long time?
Vyberte správnu vetu:
Both the possessive pronoun and the adjective must be feminine to match 'priateľka'.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English equivalent.
Priraďte dvojice:
These are the most common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Kto je to? B: To je Peter. Je to môj _______ zo školy.
'Starý priateľ' is the standard way to describe a long-term friend from school.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Starý vs. Bývalý
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenVčera som stretol _______ (starý priateľ) v kine.
The verb 'stretol som' requires the Accusative case for the object.
Vyberte správnu vetu:
Both the possessive pronoun and the adjective must be feminine to match 'priateľka'.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are the most common variations of the phrase.
A: Kto je to? B: To je Peter. Je to môj _______ zo školy.
'Starý priateľ' is the standard way to describe a long-term friend from school.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUsually no. It refers to the length of the friendship. However, literally it can mean an elderly friend, but context usually makes it clear.
No, for a romantic girlfriend, use 'priateľka'. 'Stará priateľka' would mean a long-time female friend or an ex-girlfriend depending on context, which can be confusing. For an ex, use 'bývalá priateľka'.
There is no rule, but usually, it implies at least 5-10 years, or knowing someone from a previous life stage like school.
Not in this phrase. It is seen as a compliment to the strength of the bond.
'Priateľ' is a close friend; 'známy' is just someone you know. 'Starý známy' is much more common for people you aren't close with.
You would say 'môj najstarší priateľ'.
Yes, 'starý kamarát' is very common and slightly more informal than 'starý priateľ'.
Yes, to describe a long-term reliable partner, but 'dlhoročný partner' is more professional.
The plural is 'starí priatelia'. Note the change to 'í' and 'ia'.
In very informal/slang Slovak, 'môj starý' means 'my old man' (husband), but this is different from 'starý priateľ'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Stará láska nehrdzavie
similarOld love doesn't rust.
Verný priateľ
similarFaithful friend.
Najlepší priateľ
builds onBest friend.
Bývalý priateľ
contrastFormer friend / Ex-boyfriend.
