Signification
Explaining you are from abroad.
Contexte culturel
Being a 'cudzinec' in a small village is very different from being one in Bratislava. In villages, you are a curiosity and will likely be offered 'slivovica' (plum brandy) as a welcome. The 'Cudzinecká polícia' (Foreign Police) is a place every foreigner knows. It is often cited as the most difficult part of being a foreigner in Slovakia due to long wait times. Slovaks are very proud of their language. If a 'cudzinec' makes an effort to speak, even with mistakes, it is seen as a sign of great respect. The concept of 'pohostinnosť' means that as a foreigner, you might be treated with extra care in traditional households.
Gender is Key
Always remember to use 'cudzinka' if you identify as female. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in sounding natural.
Avoid 'Cudzí'
Don't say 'Som cudzí'. It sounds like you're an alien from outer space or a total stranger with bad intentions.
Signification
Explaining you are from abroad.
Gender is Key
Always remember to use 'cudzinka' if you identify as female. It's a small change that makes a huge difference in sounding natural.
Avoid 'Cudzí'
Don't say 'Som cudzí'. It sounds like you're an alien from outer space or a total stranger with bad intentions.
The 'Social Shield'
Use this phrase early in a conversation if you're struggling. It lowers the native speaker's expectations and makes them more patient.
Smile!
Slovaks can be reserved, but saying 'Som cudzinec' with a smile usually breaks the ice and triggers their hospitality.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form for a woman speaking.
Ahoj, ________.
Women must use the feminine form ending in -ka.
Fill in the missing verb to say 'I am a foreigner'.
Ja ________ cudzinec.
'Som' is the first-person singular form of the verb 'byť' (to be).
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Where would you most likely say: 'Som cudzinec, potrebujem víza'?
Visas (víza) are handled by the Foreign Police.
Complete the dialogue.
Slovák: 'Odkiaľ ste?' Ty: '________ z Anglicka.'
Either is correct depending on your gender, but the structure 'Som [status] z [place]' is standard.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Masculine vs. Feminine
Where to use 'Som cudzinec'
Official
- • Police
- • Bank
- • Border
Social
- • Parties
- • Cafes
- • Dating
Travel
- • Trains
- • Hotels
- • Directions
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAhoj, ________.
Women must use the feminine form ending in -ka.
Ja ________ cudzinec.
'Som' is the first-person singular form of the verb 'byť' (to be).
Where would you most likely say: 'Som cudzinec, potrebujem víza'?
Visas (víza) are handled by the Foreign Police.
Slovák: 'Odkiaľ ste?' Ty: '________ z Anglicka.'
Either is correct depending on your gender, but the structure 'Som [status] z [place]' is standard.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral, factual term. However, like 'foreigner' in English, context matters. In a friendly conversation, it's perfectly fine.
In Bratislava, many people understand 'expat', but 'cudzinec' is the universal Slovak word that everyone, including older people in villages, will understand.
You must say 'Som cudzinka'. The 'a' at the end is the feminine marker.
Yes, this means 'I am from abroad'. it's a bit more formal and very common.
You say 'Sme cudzinci'.
No, 'Som cudzinec' is more natural. 'Ja som cudzinec' is used only for emphasis.
Not really a direct slang word for 'foreigner' that isn't potentially rude. Stick to 'Nie som odtiaľto'.
Generally, no. Most Slovaks are helpful to foreigners who try to speak their language.
Yes, but 'turista' is more specific. 'Cudzinec' covers anyone not from Slovakia.
It's like the 'ds' in 'roads'. Try to say it as one quick sound.
Expressions liées
Som zo zahraničia
similarI am from abroad
Nie som odtiaľto
similarI am not from here
Som turista
specialized formI am a tourist
Učím sa po slovensky
builds onI am learning Slovak
Som prisťahovalec
specialized formI am an immigrant
Som expat
synonymI am an expat
