Signification
Being honest about a situation.
Contexte culturel
Slovaks often use the phrase 'Pravda víťazí' (Truth prevails), which was the motto of Czechoslovakia and remains on the presidential standard. It reflects a deep-seated historical hope. In many Slavic cultures, 'saying the truth' is often contrasted with 'politika' (politics), which is sometimes viewed as the art of lying. In village life, your 'slovo' (word) was your bond. Povedať pravdu was essential for maintaining one's reputation in a small community. Investigative journalism in Slovakia often uses the 'pravda' motif to signal transparency and anti-corruption efforts.
Use as a filler
Use 'Pravdu povediac' at the start of sentences to sound more like a native speaker when giving an opinion.
Watch the aspect
Don't use 'povedať' for habits. If you say 'Vždy povie pravdu,' it sounds like a specific prediction rather than a general trait.
Signification
Being honest about a situation.
Use as a filler
Use 'Pravdu povediac' at the start of sentences to sound more like a native speaker when giving an opinion.
Watch the aspect
Don't use 'povedať' for habits. If you say 'Vždy povie pravdu,' it sounds like a specific prediction rather than a general trait.
The Dative connection
Always remember to use the dative case for the person you are telling the truth to (mi, ti, mu, jej, nám, vám, im).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'povedať' in the past tense.
On mi včera ______ pravdu.
'On' is masculine singular, so the past tense is 'povedal'.
Choose the correct form of the noun 'pravda'.
Musíš mi povedať ______.
The verb 'povedať' requires the accusative case for its direct object.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Prečo si to urobil? B: ______, neviem.
'Pravdu povediac' is the standard filler for 'To tell the truth' at the start of a sentence.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a courtroom setting?
This is the formal, standard way to describe the legal obligation of a witness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Povedať vs Hovoriť
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOn mi včera ______ pravdu.
'On' is masculine singular, so the past tense is 'povedal'.
Musíš mi povedať ______.
The verb 'povedať' requires the accusative case for its direct object.
A: Prečo si to urobil? B: ______, neviem.
'Pravdu povediac' is the standard filler for 'To tell the truth' at the start of a sentence.
Which phrase fits a courtroom setting?
This is the formal, standard way to describe the legal obligation of a witness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'vravieť' is a synonym for 'hovoriť' and is often used in casual conversation.
'Pravda' is the truth as a moral concept; 'skutočnosť' is reality or fact.
Use the fixed phrase 'Pravdu povediac' or 'Aby som ti povedal pravdu'.
It is always 'povedať pravdu' because 'pravda' is the object.
No, for 'being right' use 'mať pravdu' (to have truth).
Yes, 'vyklopiť to' or 'priznať farbu' are more idiomatic/slangy.
You can say 'Nepovedal pravdu' (He didn't tell the truth).
Often, yes, because it refers to a specific act of telling that has been completed.
The direct opposite is 'klamať' (to lie).
Expressions liées
Byť úprimný
similarTo be sincere/honest
Klamať
contrastTo lie
Priznať sa
builds onTo confess
Zamlčať pravdu
specialized formTo withhold the truth
