Bedeutung
Used to introduce yourself.
Kultureller Hintergrund
When introducing yourself, it is customary to use your first name in social settings, but always include your surname in official or business settings. Handshakes are expected for both men and women. Women's surnames almost always end in -ová. If a woman's father is 'Novák', she is 'Nováková'. This is important to recognize when someone introduces themselves. Slovaks celebrate 'Meniny' (Name Days). If you introduce yourself, people might mention your name day. It's a sign of friendliness to know when your colleagues' name days are. In many Central European cultures, including Slovakia, the transition from using surnames (formal) to first names (informal) is a specific social step often initiated by the older or higher-ranking person.
The 'Sa' Rule
Always keep 'sa' in the second position. If you start with 'Ja' (I), it becomes 'Ja sa volám'.
Don't forget 'sa'!
If you say 'Volám Peter', people will look for Peter because they think you are calling him!
Bedeutung
Used to introduce yourself.
The 'Sa' Rule
Always keep 'sa' in the second position. If you start with 'Ja' (I), it becomes 'Ja sa volám'.
Don't forget 'sa'!
If you say 'Volám Peter', people will look for Peter because they think you are calling him!
Sound like a native
Drop the 'Ja' (I). Just saying 'Volám sa...' is much more natural and native-sounding.
First names vs Surnames
In Slovakia, wait for an older person to suggest using first names (tykanie) before you stop using their surname.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the introduction with the correct reflexive particle.
Dobrý deň, volám ___ Zuzana.
The phrase 'volám sa' always requires the reflexive particle 'sa'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to introduce yourself?
Choose the best option:
'Volám sa' followed by the name is the standard neutral introduction.
Complete the dialogue between two people meeting for the first time.
A: Ahoj, ja som Adam. Ako ___ ___? B: Ahoj, volám sa Eva.
In an informal setting (Ahoj), we use the 'ty' form: 'Ako sa voláš?'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Dovoľte, aby som sa predstavil, volám sa Ing. Kováč.'
The use of 'Dovoľte, aby som sa predstavil' and a professional title (Ing.) indicates a formal setting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDobrý deň, volám ___ Zuzana.
The phrase 'volám sa' always requires the reflexive particle 'sa'.
Choose the best option:
'Volám sa' followed by the name is the standard neutral introduction.
A: Ahoj, ja som Adam. Ako ___ ___? B: Ahoj, volám sa Eva.
In an informal setting (Ahoj), we use the 'ty' form: 'Ako sa voláš?'.
Phrase: 'Dovoľte, aby som sa predstavil, volám sa Ing. Kováč.'
The use of 'Dovoľte, aby som sa predstavil' and a professional title (Ing.) indicates a formal setting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, 'Ja som Peter' (I am Peter) is perfectly fine and very common in casual settings.
It's a grammatical suffix indicating 'belonging to' or 'of the family'. It's a standard part of Slovak surnames.
It is neutral. You can use it with a child or the President. The formality comes from whether you use your first name or full name.
You say 'Ako sa voláte?' (plural/formal form).
You can say 'Volám sa Alexander, ale volajú ma Sašo.'
No, the verb ending '-ám' already tells the listener you are talking about yourself.
Yes! 'Môj pes sa volá Dunčo.'
'Volať' is to call (someone), 'volať sa' is to be named (literally: to call oneself).
No, it's correct but sounds like a translation from English. Use 'Volám sa' to sound more Slovak.
Use the past tense: 'Volal som sa' (for men) or 'Volala som sa' (for women).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ako sa voláš?
similarWhat is your name? (informal)
Teší ma.
builds onPleased to meet you.
Moje meno je...
synonymMy name is...
Predstaviť sa
specialized formTo introduce oneself
Zoznámte sa.
builds onMeet each other / Get to know each other.
