Signification
Describing a brief duration.
Contexte culturel
Czechs value their free time highly. Using 'krátký čas' to describe work tasks often implies efficiency—getting things done quickly so one can enjoy 'pohoda'. The term is often used in history books to describe the 'First Republic' (1918-1938), which is seen as a golden but 'krátký čas' of democracy. When visiting someone, saying you have only a 'krátký čas' is a way to ensure the host doesn't feel obligated to prepare a full meal. Czech poetry often contrasts 'krátký čas' of life with the 'věčnost' (eternity) of nature.
The 'Za' Rule
Always use 'za krátký čas' when you want to say 'soon'. It's a very natural way to sound more like a native speaker.
Not for Size
Never use 'krátký' to describe a small object like a watch. Use 'malý' for physical size and 'krátký' for time duration.
Signification
Describing a brief duration.
The 'Za' Rule
Always use 'za krátký čas' when you want to say 'soon'. It's a very natural way to sound more like a native speaker.
Not for Size
Never use 'krátký' to describe a small object like a watch. Use 'malý' for physical size and 'krátký' for time duration.
Case Matters
Remember that 'v krátkém čase' is the most formal way to say 'in a short time' in writing.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'krátký'.
Vrátím se za ______ čas.
After the preposition 'za' in a temporal sense, we use the Accusative case. For masculine inanimate nouns, the Accusative is the same as the Nominative.
Which sentence is correct if you want to say you only have 5 minutes for a meeting?
Choose the correct sentence:
Time is 'short' (krátký) in Czech, not 'small' (malý).
Match the Czech phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are the most common prepositional uses of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: Jak dlouho jsi byl v Praze? B: Jen ______.
The question asks 'how long', so we need the simple duration in the Nominative/Accusative.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Duration vs Scarcity
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVrátím se za ______ čas.
After the preposition 'za' in a temporal sense, we use the Accusative case. For masculine inanimate nouns, the Accusative is the same as the Nominative.
Choose the correct sentence:
Time is 'short' (krátký) in Czech, not 'small' (malý).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most common prepositional uses of the phrase.
A: Jak dlouho jsi byl v Praze? B: Jen ______.
The question asks 'how long', so we need the simple duration in the Nominative/Accusative.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, in Czech, time is described as 'short' (krátký) or 'long' (dlouhý), never 'small' or 'big'.
'Krátký čas' is neutral and can be used in any context. 'Chvilka' is informal and usually implies a very short, often pleasant, amount of time.
The most common way is 'za krátký čas'.
It is neutral. It's fine for both business and casual talk.
Yes, it must agree with the case of 'čas' (e.g., krátkého, krátkém).
Expressions liées
dlouhý čas
contrastA long time
za chvíli
synonymIn a while / soon
málo času
similarLittle time
krátká doba
synonymShort period
ztráta času
builds onWaste of time
