Signification
Literally 'to have truth'.
Contexte culturel
The phrase 'Pravda vítězí' (Truth prevails) is the national motto. It appears on the flag of the President of the Czech Republic. Jan Hus, a key figure in Czech history, emphasized truth as a moral imperative, which deeply influenced the language. Czechs often use 'Máš pravdu' to avoid conflict, even if they don't fully agree, as a way to end a circular argument. In Czech political talk shows, 'Máte pravdu v tom, že...' is a common way for politicians to partially agree before attacking.
The 'To Be' Trap
Never say 'Jsem pravda'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Mám'.
Softening Disagreement
If you want to say someone is wrong politely, say 'Myslím, že nemáte úplně pravdu' (I think you aren't entirely right).
Signification
Literally 'to have truth'.
The 'To Be' Trap
Never say 'Jsem pravda'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'Mám'.
Softening Disagreement
If you want to say someone is wrong politely, say 'Myslím, že nemáte úplně pravdu' (I think you aren't entirely right).
Sarcasm Alert
If someone says 'No jo, máš pravdu' very quickly, they probably think you're annoying!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mít'.
Ty ______ pravdu, venku je zima.
The subject is 'Ty', so the verb must be 'máš'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'You (formal) are right'?
We use 'mít' + 'pravdu' (accusative).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ten film byl nudný. B: ______, už jsem chtěl jít domů.
B is agreeing with A's opinion.
Match the Czech phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These cover past, negative, formal, and idiomatic variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Czech vs English 'Being Right'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTy ______ pravdu, venku je zima.
The subject is 'Ty', so the verb must be 'máš'.
How do you say 'You (formal) are right'?
We use 'mít' + 'pravdu' (accusative).
A: Ten film byl nudný. B: ______, už jsem chtěl jít domů.
B is agreeing with A's opinion.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These cover past, negative, formal, and idiomatic variations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but 'To je správně' is more common for technical facts.
Only after the verb 'mít'. In 'To je pravda', it ends with 'a'.
Měla jsi pravdu.
Nemít pravdu or mýlit se (to be mistaken).
It depends on the verb 'mít'. 'Máš' is informal, 'Máte' is formal.
Expressions liées
mít právo
similarto have a legal right
dát za pravdu
builds onto concede/agree with someone
svatá pravda
specialized formthe absolute/holy truth
mýlit se
contrastto be mistaken
