Signification
Using public transport.
Contexte culturel
Public transport is the backbone of Slovak mobility. Waiting for a bus is a shared national experience, often accompanied by checking the 'cestovný poriadok' (timetable) printed on the stop. In the capital, 'čakať na autobus' often involves using electronic boards that show real-time arrivals. If the board says '0 min', the bus is usually visible. In villages, buses (SAD) are less frequent. Missing a bus can mean waiting several hours for the next one, making 'čakať na autobus' a high-stakes activity. Students often use the 'ISIC' card for discounts. Waiting for the bus is a time for students to check their phones or finish homework.
The 'Na' Rule
Always use 'na' for transport. It's the golden rule of Slovak commuting.
Don't say 'pre'
Never use 'pre' (for) when waiting. It's a common English-speaker mistake.
Signification
Using public transport.
The 'Na' Rule
Always use 'na' for transport. It's the golden rule of Slovak commuting.
Don't say 'pre'
Never use 'pre' (for) when waiting. It's a common English-speaker mistake.
Small Talk
Complaining about the bus being late is a great way to start a conversation with a local.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Peter čaká ___ autobus.
The verb 'čakať' always takes the preposition 'na' when waiting for transport.
Choose the correct form of the verb 'čakať'.
My ________ na autobus už 20 minút.
'My' (we) requires the '-áme' ending.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kde si? B: Som na zastávke. ______ na autobus.
In the context of being at a bus stop (zastávka), 'waiting' is the most logical action.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Už nemusíme čakať na autobus, je tu!'
'Je tu' means 'It is here', so the waiting is over.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPeter čaká ___ autobus.
The verb 'čakať' always takes the preposition 'na' when waiting for transport.
My ________ na autobus už 20 minút.
'My' (we) requires the '-áme' ending.
A: Kde si? B: Som na zastávke. ______ na autobus.
In the context of being at a bus stop (zastávka), 'waiting' is the most logical action.
Sentence: 'Už nemusíme čakať na autobus, je tu!'
'Je tu' means 'It is here', so the waiting is over.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'bus' is a very common informal shortening of 'autobus' used in daily conversation.
'Na autobus' is Accusative (object of waiting), while 'na autobuse' is Locative (location). You wait *for* the bus, you don't wait *on top of* it.
Yes, it follows the standard '-a' conjugation pattern, making it one of the easiest verbs to learn.
You say 'Čakám na tridsaťdeviatku' (I'm waiting for the 39). We often use the feminine form of the number.
Use the present tense: 'Čakám na autobus už desať minút.'
No, you validate the ticket ('označiť lístok') immediately after boarding the bus.
Generally, people keep to themselves, but brief comments about the weather or delays are common.
It is 'zastávka'. You wait 'na zastávke' (at the stop).
Yes, 'školský autobus'. 'Čakám na školský autobus.'
Probably 'vystupovať z autobusu' (getting off the bus) or 'cestovať autobusom' (traveling by bus).
Expressions liées
stáť na zastávke
similarto stand at the stop
zmeškať autobus
contrastto miss the bus
nastúpiť do autobusu
builds onto board the bus
čakať na vlak
similarto wait for the train
