Signification
A well-behaved dog.
Contexte culturel
Czechs often treat dogs as family members. It's common to see 'hodný pes' in offices or restaurants. If a dog is 'hodný', it is socially acceptable to bring it almost anywhere. There is a high standard for 'výchova' (upbringing). A 'hodný pes' isn't just born; it's trained. Owners take pride in their dog's public behavior. In Prague, you'll see dogs on trams and metros without muzzles if they are 'hodní' (though muzzles are technically required). The community relies on the 'hodný pes' social contract. In villages, a 'hodný pes' might also mean a dog that doesn't kill the neighbor's chickens. The definition of 'good' is more functional.
The 'Good Girl' Rule
If the dog is female, always use 'hodná'. Owners will appreciate your grammatical accuracy!
Don't say 'Dobrý'
Saying 'dobrý pes' to a dog you are petting sounds a bit like you are inspecting a piece of meat. Stick to 'hodný'.
Signification
A well-behaved dog.
The 'Good Girl' Rule
If the dog is female, always use 'hodná'. Owners will appreciate your grammatical accuracy!
Don't say 'Dobrý'
Saying 'dobrý pes' to a dog you are petting sounds a bit like you are inspecting a piece of meat. Stick to 'hodný'.
Diminutives
Use 'pejsek' instead of 'pes' to sound more like a local dog lover.
The Vocative
If you want to sound 100% native when calling your dog, try 'Hodný pse!' but 'Hodný!' is much more common.
Teste-toi
Which phrase would you use to tell your dog he did a good job sitting?
Pes si sedl. Co řeknete?
'Hodný pes' is the standard praise for good behavior.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'hodný'.
Moje fena je velmi ______.
'Fena' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'hodná'.
Match the situation to the most likely Czech phrase.
A child wants to pet your dog and looks nervous.
This reassures the child that the dog is friendly.
Fill in the missing word in the dialogue.
A: Je váš pes agresivní? B: Ne, on je hrozně ______.
'Hodný' is the opposite of aggressive in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Czech Dog Adjectives
Behavior
- • hodný
- • poslušný
- • klidný
Skill
- • šikovný
- • dobrý
- • rychlý
Negative
- • zlobivý
- • zlý
- • ostrý
Hodný vs. Dobrý
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPes si sedl. Co řeknete?
'Hodný pes' is the standard praise for good behavior.
Moje fena je velmi ______.
'Fena' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'hodná'.
A child wants to pet your dog and looks nervous.
This reassures the child that the dog is friendly.
A: Je váš pes agresivní? B: Ne, on je hrozně ______.
'Hodný' is the opposite of aggressive in this context.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! 'On je hodný' means 'He is a kind/good person.' It's very common.
The most common opposite is 'zlobivý pes' (naughty dog) or 'zlý pes' (mean/aggressive dog).
Yes, 'hodná kočka' works, but cats are less often praised for being 'obedient' in the same way.
That is 'Obecná čeština' (Common Czech), an informal spoken dialect. It's very common in Prague.
No, that's 'statečný'. 'Hodný' is strictly about being good/kind/well-behaved.
You say 'Hodný kluk' or just 'Hodný pes!'.
'Hodný' is singular. 'Hodní' is plural (e.g., 'To jsou hodní psi').
Usually no. A police dog is 'dobrý' (effective) or 'ostrý' (sharp/aggressive). 'Hodný' implies he's a softie.
Use the masculine 'hodný pes' as the default.
In casual conversation about pets, yes. 'Pes' can sound slightly more formal or clinical.
Expressions liées
Šikovný pes
similarA clever/skilled dog
Zlobivý pes
contrastA naughty/misbehaving dog
Vychovaný pes
specialized formA well-trained/well-bred dog
Psí kusy
relatedDog tricks / antics
Věrný pes
similarA loyal dog
