Signification
Arriving after the scheduled start time.
Contexte culturel
In Slovakia, being late due to public transport (SAD or ZSSK) is a widely accepted excuse because delays are common and often outside the commuter's control. International corporations in Bratislava (like Dell, IBM, Amazon) have a stricter 'Western' view on punctuality compared to smaller local businesses. In smaller villages, 'meškať do práce' might be less about the clock and more about when the first bus arrives, which everyone in the village knows. In the construction industry, 'meškať do roboty' is often met with a joke or a demand to bring beer/coffee for the team as a 'fine'.
The 'Do' Rule
Always remember that 'do' means 'into'. You are late 'into' the building/job.
Don't say 'Som neskoro'
English speakers often say 'Som neskoro' (I am late). Slovaks will understand, but it sounds very foreign. Use 'Meškám'.
Signification
Arriving after the scheduled start time.
The 'Do' Rule
Always remember that 'do' means 'into'. You are late 'into' the building/job.
Don't say 'Som neskoro'
English speakers often say 'Som neskoro' (I am late). Slovaks will understand, but it sounds very foreign. Use 'Meškám'.
Use 'Robota' for friends
If you want to sound more like a local in a bar, say 'Zase som meškal do roboty'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'meškať'.
Prepáčte, ja dnes ______ do práce.
The subject is 'ja' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Choose the correct preposition and case.
Môj brat vždy mešká ______.
'Meškať' with a destination like work always takes 'do' + Genitive.
Complete the dialogue with a logical reason.
A: Prečo meškáš do práce? B: Meškám, lebo ______.
Missing the bus is a logical reason for being late.
Match the phrase to the formality level.
Match 'Meškám do roboty' to its register.
'Robota' is a colloquial term for work.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPrepáčte, ja dnes ______ do práce.
The subject is 'ja' (I), so the verb must be in the first person singular.
Môj brat vždy mešká ______.
'Meškať' with a destination like work always takes 'do' + Genitive.
A: Prečo meškáš do práce? B: Meškám, lebo ______.
Missing the bus is a logical reason for being late.
Match 'Meškám do roboty' to its register.
'Robota' is a colloquial term for work.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends. For very formal writing, use 'neskorý príchod'.
'Meškať' is more common for being late. 'Omeškať sa' is often used for being late with payments or in more formal/literary contexts.
Yes, but you change the destination: 'meškať do školy'.
Meškám do práce päť minút.
No, it's a factual statement. It's better to say it than to say nothing!
Expressions liées
prísť načas
contrastTo arrive on time.
zmeškať vlak
similarTo miss the train.
mať sklz
similarTo be behind schedule.
nadrobiť si čas
builds onTo make up the time.
