Signification
A train that doesn't go fast.
Contexte culturel
The 'Osobný vlak' (slow train) is a social hub where it is common for strangers to start conversations, especially in older carriages with compartments. The railway culture is deeply influenced by the old Austro-Hungarian standards, where punctuality was a virtue, but 'slow and steady' was the reality for local lines. Students often use slow trains because they are free of charge (vlaky zadarmo), leading to the phrase being associated with youth and budget travel. Slow trains often appear in Slovak poetry and prose as symbols of the connection between the urban and the rural, or as a space for reflection.
Save Money
In Slovakia, 'pomalý vlak' (osobný vlak) is usually cheaper than the 'rýchlik' or 'IC' trains.
Check the Stops
A 'pomalý vlak' will stop at every single station. If you are going across the country, it will take many hours!
Signification
A train that doesn't go fast.
Save Money
In Slovakia, 'pomalý vlak' (osobný vlak) is usually cheaper than the 'rýchlik' or 'IC' trains.
Check the Stops
A 'pomalý vlak' will stop at every single station. If you are going across the country, it will take many hours!
Metaphorical Power
Use this phrase to complain about Slovak bureaucracy; locals will immediately find you more relatable.
Socializing
Don't be afraid to talk to people in a slow train. It's the best place to practice your Slovak!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'pomalý'.
Cestujem ______ vlakom.
The preposition 's/so' (with) or the instrumental case for means of transport requires the '-ým' ending for masculine adjectives.
Which sentence is a metaphorical use of the phrase?
Select the correct option:
This compares a system (bureaucracy) to a train, which is a figurative comparison.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are essential travel vocabulary pairs.
Complete the dialogue at the train station.
A: Prosím si lístok do Nitry. B: Chcete rýchlik alebo ______? A: Stačí mi ten druhý, je lacnejší.
In the context of a train station, the alternative to an express train is a slow/local train.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Vlaky na Slovensku
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCestujem ______ vlakom.
The preposition 's/so' (with) or the instrumental case for means of transport requires the '-ým' ending for masculine adjectives.
Select the correct option:
This compares a system (bureaucracy) to a train, which is a figurative comparison.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are essential travel vocabulary pairs.
A: Prosím si lístok do Nitry. B: Chcete rýchlik alebo ______? A: Stačí mi ten druhý, je lacnejší.
In the context of a train station, the alternative to an express train is a slow/local train.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNot necessarily. It can be a simple description, though it is often used with a bit of frustration if the train is very old.
Yes, the adjective 'pomalý' works with any vehicle.
The opposite is 'rýchly vlak' or more commonly 'rýchlik'.
Because 'vlak' is a masculine noun. Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.
Yes, 'osobák' is the common slang/informal term for a slow, local passenger train.
Expressions liées
rýchly vlak
contrastFast train
osobný vlak
synonymPassenger/local train
zmeškaný vlak
similarMissed train
nákladný vlak
specialized formFreight train
naskočiť na vlak
builds onTo jump on a train
