At the A1 level, 'dělat' is one of the first verbs you learn. You use it to ask basic questions like 'Co děláš?' (What are you doing?) and to answer with simple activities like 'Dělám úkol' (I am doing homework). The focus is on the present tense conjugation and understanding that this verb covers both 'to do' and 'to make'. You learn it as a general-purpose action verb that helps you communicate when you don't know more specific words. It is essential for describing your daily routine and basic hobbies. You also learn that it is an imperfective verb, though the full concept of aspect might not be introduced yet. The key is mastering the endings: -ám, -áš, -á, -áme, -áte, -ají.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'dělat' in the past and future tenses. You learn to say 'Dělal jsem' (I was doing) and 'Budu dělat' (I will be doing). You also start to encounter the perfective pair 'udělat' and learn the basic difference: 'dělat' is for the process, 'udělat' is for the finished result. You might use 'dělat' to describe your job ('Dělám v kanceláři') or to talk about common collocations like 'dělat nákup' (to do the shopping) or 'dělat sport' (to do sports). You are expected to use the accusative case correctly after the verb, ensuring that feminine nouns like 'káva' become 'kávu'.
At the B1 level, you expand your use of 'dělat' into common idioms and more complex sentence structures. You learn phrases like 'dělat si legraci' (to make fun of), 'dělat si starosti' (to worry), and 'dělat chyby' (to make mistakes). You become more comfortable with the reflexive 'dělat se' in contexts like 'Dělá se mi špatně' (I am feeling sick). You also start to recognize when 'dělat' is being used colloquially to replace 'pracovat'. Your understanding of aspect becomes more refined, and you can choose between 'dělat' and 'udělat' based on whether you want to emphasize the duration or the completion of an action.
At the B2 level, you use 'dělat' with a high degree of naturalness. you understand subtle nuances, such as using 'dělat' to describe a person's behavior ('Nedělej se!' meaning 'Don't pretend!' or 'Don't show off!'). You are familiar with more advanced collocations like 'dělat kompromisy' (to make compromises) or 'dělat pokroky' (to make progress). You can switch between 'dělat' and more formal synonyms like 'provádět' or 'vyrábět' depending on the social context. You also understand the use of 'dělat' in passive-like constructions such as 'To se tak dělá' (That's how it's done). Your speech is fluid, and you use 'dělat' as a natural part of your linguistic repertoire.
At the C1 level, you recognize 'dělat' in literary, journalistic, and highly idiomatic contexts. You understand phrases like 'dělat čest' (to do honor) or 'dělat dobrotu' (to behave well/to cause no trouble). You are aware of the prefixation system where 'dělat' forms the base for verbs like 'vydělat' (to earn money), 'dodělat' (to finish off), and 'předělat' (to redo). You can analyze the stylistic difference between 'dělat' and its more formal counterparts like 'činit' or 'realizovat'. You use 'dělat' precisely, often using it to create specific rhetorical effects or to sound deliberately casual in a formal setting.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'dělat' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand the deepest etymological roots and the most obscure idiomatic uses. You can use 'dělat' in complex wordplay, puns, and sophisticated metaphors. You are fully aware of regional variations in its usage across the Czech Republic. You can use the verb to express sarcasm, irony, or deep philosophical resignation ('Co naděláš'). You have a complete command of all its prefixed derivatives and can use them to express the most minute changes in meaning. 'Dělat' is no longer just a verb you use; it is a tool you manipulate with absolute precision and creativity.

dělat 30초 만에

  • Dělat is the most common Czech verb for 'to do' or 'to make', used for actions, tasks, and creating things.
  • It is an imperfective verb, meaning it focuses on the process or ongoing nature of an activity in the present.
  • The verb is regular and belongs to the '-at' conjugation class, making it easy for beginners to learn and use.
  • It appears in many everyday idioms and can also describe a person's profession or regular habits like sports.
The Czech verb dělat is perhaps the most fundamental and versatile action word in the entire Czech language. At its core, it translates to the English verbs to do or to make. However, its utility extends far beyond these simple translations. For a beginner, dělat is the ultimate survival word because it can substitute for many more specific verbs when you are struggling to remember the exact term. Whether you are performing a task, engaging in a profession, creating a physical object, or simply spending your time, dělat is the verb you will reach for most frequently. It is an imperfective verb, which means it describes an action that is ongoing, habitual, or in progress, rather than a completed result.
Daily Activities
When you want to ask someone what they are currently occupied with, you use this verb. It covers everything from household chores like cleaning to professional duties at an office. For example, if you see a friend looking busy, you would ask 'Co děláš?' which means 'What are you doing?'.
Occupations and Roles
In the context of work, this verb is used to describe one's profession. While 'pracovat' means 'to work', Czech speakers often use 'dělat' followed by the profession to say what someone does for a living. For example, 'Dělám učitele' literally translates to 'I do a teacher', meaning 'I work as a teacher'.
Physical Creation
Unlike some languages that have strict distinctions between 'doing' an abstract task and 'making' a physical object, Czech uses 'dělat' for both. You can 'dělat úkol' (do homework) and 'dělat dort' (make a cake) using the exact same verb form.

Můj bratr rád dělá modely letadel každý večer ve své dílně.

Co děláte o víkendu, když je venku hezké počasí?

Nemůžu teď mluvit, protože právě dělám večeři pro celou rodinu.

Ona dělá všechno pro to, aby její děti byly šťastné.

Prosím tě, nedělej si z toho žádné velké starosti, to se vyřeší.

In summary, this verb is the foundation of Czech communication. It appears in countless idioms, from 'dělat si legraci' (to make fun) to 'dělat chyby' (to make mistakes). Understanding its flexibility allows you to navigate complex conversations even with a limited vocabulary. It is the verbal equivalent of a multi-tool, essential for every learner from day one.
Using dělat correctly requires an understanding of Czech verb conjugation and the grammatical cases that follow it. As a regular '-at' verb, its conjugation is relatively straightforward for English speakers to master. The pattern follows the standard first conjugation: dělám (I do), děláš (you do), dělá (he/she/it does), děláme (we do), děláte (you plural/formal do), and dělají (they do). This regularity makes it an excellent model for learning how other Czech verbs function.
Direct Objects (Accusative Case)
When you 'do' or 'make' something, that 'something' must be in the accusative case. For example, 'Dělám kávu' (I am making coffee). The word 'káva' changes its ending to 'kávu' because it is the direct object of the action. This is a crucial rule to remember as you build more complex sentences.
Questions and Negation
Forming questions is simple; you just change your intonation or add a question mark. 'Ty děláš?' (You are doing?). To negate the verb, simply add the prefix 'ne-' directly to the front: 'Nedělám nic' (I am doing nothing). Note that Czech uses double negatives, so 'ne-' and 'nic' (nothing) are used together.
The Reflexive 'Se'
When combined with the reflexive pronoun 'se', the meaning can shift. 'Dělat se' can mean 'to pretend' or 'to be made'. For instance, 'Dělá se mu špatně' means 'He is starting to feel sick'. However, for beginners, focusing on the non-reflexive use is most important.

Každé ráno dělám snídani pro své děti předtím, než jdou do školy.

Co děláte v práci? Jste manažer nebo programátor?

Studenti dělají test z české gramatiky každé pondělí.

Understanding the temporal aspect is the next step. Since dělat is imperfective, it is used for the present tense to show what is happening right now. To form the past tense, you use the 'l-participle' with the auxiliary verb 'být': 'Dělal jsem' (I was doing/I did). To form the future tense, you use the future form of 'být' plus the infinitive: 'Budu dělat' (I will be doing). This logical structure makes 'dělat' a perfect playground for practicing all Czech tenses.
You will hear dělat in almost every conversation in the Czech Republic, from the bustling streets of Prague to the quiet villages of Moravia. It is a linguistic workhorse that transcends social classes and professional boundaries. In the workplace, it is the standard way to discuss projects and tasks. In the home, it is used for cooking, cleaning, and hobbies. In social settings, it is used to ask about plans or to tell jokes.
In the Office
Your boss might ask, 'Na čem teď děláš?' which means 'What are you working on right now?'. Here, 'dělat' replaces 'pracovat' to sound more natural and focused on the specific task at hand.
At the Gym or Sports Club
Czechs don't just 'play' sports; they often 'do' them. You will hear people say 'Dělám jógu' (I do yoga) or 'Dělám atletiku' (I do athletics). It implies a level of regular practice and commitment.
In Casual Street Slang
You might hear the phrase 'Nedělej drahoty', which literally means 'Don't make expensive things', but idiomatically means 'Don't play hard to get' or 'Don't make a fuss about it'.

Promiňte, co jste říkal? Právě dělám něco velmi důležitého na počítači.

Hele, nedělej si ze mě blázny, já vím, že jsi to byl ty!

The word is also prevalent in media. News anchors might talk about what the government is 'doing' (vláda dělá kroky), and movie characters will constantly use it in dialogue. Its frequency is so high that it often becomes a 'filler' word in speech, similar to how 'like' or 'just' is used in English. By paying attention to the context in which 'dělat' is used, you can pick up on the subtle nuances of Czech social interaction and professional etiquette. It is truly the heartbeat of the spoken language.
Despite its simplicity, dělat is a frequent source of errors for English speakers. The most common mistake involves the Slavic concept of verbal aspect. English speakers often use 'dělat' for every instance of 'to do' or 'to make', forgetting that 'dělat' is imperfective.
The Aspect Trap
If you say 'Dělal jsem to' when you mean 'I finished it', a Czech speaker might be confused. 'Dělal jsem to' means 'I was doing it' (and maybe I didn't finish). To say 'I did it' (and it is done), you must use 'Udělal jsem to'. Mixing these up is the number one mistake for learners.
Overuse in Place of Specific Verbs
While 'dělat' is a great backup, overusing it can make your Czech sound 'thin' or childish. For example, instead of 'dělat jídlo' (to make food), it is better to use 'vařit' (to cook). Instead of 'dělat fotky' (to make photos), use 'fotit' (to take photos).
Incorrect Case Usage
Learners often forget to change the noun following 'dělat' into the accusative case. They might say 'Dělám snídaně' (nominative plural) instead of 'Dělám snídani' (accusative singular). Remember: 'dělat' + WHAT (Accusative).

Špatně: Dělám úkol včera. (I am doing homework yesterday - wrong tense/aspect).

Správně: Dělal jsem úkol včera, ale nedokončil jsem ho.

Another common error is using 'dělat' to mean 'to work' in a general sense. While you can say 'Dělám v bance' (I work in a bank), 'pracovat' is the more formal and precise verb for the act of labor. If you want to sound more professional, use 'pracovat'. If you want to sound more casual and colloquial, 'dělat' is fine. Finally, remember that 'dělat' does not mean 'to perform' in a theatrical sense; for that, you would use 'hrát' or 'vystupovat'. Mastery of 'dělat' involves knowing not just when to use it, but when to choose a more precise alternative.
To enrich your Czech vocabulary, it is important to know the synonyms and related verbs that can replace dělat in specific contexts. While 'dělat' is the 'all-purpose' verb, these alternatives add precision and elegance to your speech.
Vyrábět (To Manufacture/Produce)
Use 'vyrábět' when talking about industrial production or making things on a larger scale. 'Firma vyrábí auta' (The company manufactures cars). Using 'dělat' here would sound very informal.
Tvořit (To Create)
When the action involves artistic creation or abstract formation, 'tvořit' is the better choice. 'Umělec tvoří sochu' (The artist is creating a statue). It carries a sense of inspiration and originality that 'dělat' lacks.
Provádět (To Perform/Execute)
In technical or formal contexts, such as a scientific experiment or a surgical procedure, 'provádět' is used. 'Lékař provádí operaci' (The doctor is performing surgery).

Místo 'dělat chybu' můžete v oficiálním textu použít 'dopustit se chyby'.

Architekt navrhuje dům, zatímco dělníci ho pak staví.

Comparing 'dělat' with 'činit' is also useful. 'Činit' is a very formal, almost archaic or literary way to say 'to do' or 'to act'. You will find it in legal documents or classic literature, but almost never in daily conversation. Similarly, 'konat' means 'to perform' or 'to hold' (an event). For example, 'Koná se konference' (A conference is being held). By learning these distinctions, you move from a basic 'A1' level of communication to a more nuanced and sophisticated 'B2' or 'C1' level, where you can choose the exact word that fits the register and context of your situation.

재미있는 사실

The word is related to the English word 'deed' and the German 'Tat' through ancient Indo-European roots.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈɟɛlat/
US /ˈdʲɛlat/
The stress is always on the first syllable in Czech: DĚ-lat.
라임이 맞는 단어
bělat střílet mlet sdělat předělat vydělat dodělat nadělat
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing 'dě' as a hard 'de' like in 'desk'.
  • Putting the stress on the second syllable.
  • Making the 'a' in 'at' too long.
  • Forgetting to soften the 'd' sound.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with the perfective 'udělat'.

수준별 예문

1

Co děláš?

What are you doing?

Second person singular present tense.

2

Dělám úkol.

I am doing homework.

First person singular present tense + accusative object.

3

Ona dělá kávu.

She is making coffee.

Third person singular present tense.

4

Děláme snídani.

We are making breakfast.

First person plural present tense.

5

Co děláte?

What are you (plural) doing?

Second person plural present tense.

6

Děti dělají hluk.

The children are making noise.

Third person plural present tense.

7

Nedělám nic.

I am doing nothing.

Negative prefix 'ne-' + 'nic' (double negative).

8

Děláš to dobře.

You are doing it well.

Verb + adverb 'dobře'.

1

Včera jsem dělal nákup.

Yesterday I did the shopping.

Past tense masculine singular.

2

Zítra budu dělat dort.

Tomorrow I will be making a cake.

Future tense (budu + infinitive).

3

Dělala jsi to včera?

Did you (feminine) do it yesterday?

Past tense feminine singular question.

4

Dělali jsme projekt do školy.

We were doing a project for school.

Past tense plural.

5

Co jsi dělal o víkendu?

What did you do over the weekend?

Past tense question.

6

Ona dělala v bance.

She used to work in a bank.

Past tense used for habitual action.

7

Budeme dělat večeři v sedm.

We will be making dinner at seven.

Future tense plural.

8

Nedělali nic špatného.

They were doing nothing wrong.

Negative past tense plural.

1

Nedělej si ze mě legraci!

Don't make fun of me!

Imperative negative + reflexive 'si'.

2

Dělám si starosti o tebe.

I am worried about you.

Idiomatic phrase 'dělat si starosti'.

3

On dělá velké chyby v práci.

He makes big mistakes at work.

Collocation 'dělat chyby'.

4

Dělá se mi špatně z toho horka.

I am feeling sick from this heat.

Reflexive 'dělat se' (to feel/become).

5

Děláte si poznámky?

Are you taking notes?

Collocation 'dělat si poznámky'.

6

Musíme dělat kompromisy.

We must make compromises.

Modal verb 'muset' + infinitive.

7

Dělal, že mě nevidí.

He pretended not to see me.

Dělat + comma + subordinate clause (meaning 'to pretend').

8

Co s tím budeš dělat?

What are you going to do about it?

Future tense question about a problem.

1

To se prostě tak dělá.

That is simply how it is done.

General passive construction with 'se'.

2

Nedělej se tak důležitý!

Don't act so important!

Reflexive 'dělat se' meaning 'to act like/pretend to be'.

3

Dělá pokroky v češtině.

He is making progress in Czech.

Collocation 'dělat pokroky'.

4

Dělal všechno pro její záchranu.

He did everything for her rescue.

Imperfective aspect emphasizing effort.

5

Děláš mi v tom zmatek.

You are making a mess of things for me.

Dative 'mi' + 'dělat zmatek'.

6

Ona dělá do módy.

She is into fashion / works in fashion.

Colloquial 'dělat do' meaning to be involved in a field.

7

Nedělejte z toho vědu.

Don't make a big deal out of it.

Idiom 'dělat z něčeho vědu' (literally 'to make a science out of it').

8

Dělají se tam skvělé věci.

Great things are being done there.

Reflexive passive.

1

Jeho chování dělá čest jeho rodině.

His behavior does honor to his family.

Formal idiom 'dělat čest'.

2

To nedělá dobrotu, když se hádají.

It causes trouble when they argue.

Idiom 'nedělat dobrotu' (to lead to no good).

3

Dělal mrtvého brouka.

He played dead / ignored the situation.

Idiom 'dělat mrtvého brouka' (to play the dead beetle).

4

Dělá se mu z toho nevolno.

It makes him feel nauseous.

Reflexive impersonal construction.

5

Ten dům dělá dojem starého sídla.

The house gives the impression of an old manor.

Collocation 'dělat dojem' (to make an impression).

6

Nedělej si iluze o jejich úmyslech.

Don't have any illusions about their intentions.

Idiom 'dělat si iluze'.

7

Vláda dělá maximum pro stabilizaci.

The government is doing its maximum for stabilization.

Journalistic register.

8

Dělal, jako by se nic nestalo.

He acted as if nothing had happened.

Conjunction 'jako by' with the conditional.

1

Co naděláš, osud je nevyzpytatelný.

What can you do, fate is unpredictable.

Prefixed form 'nadělat' in a rhetorical question.

2

Dělá ramena, ale ve skutečnosti se bojí.

He is acting tough, but actually he is scared.

Idiom 'dělat ramena' (literally 'to make shoulders').

3

Tato situace dělá z lidí hrdiny i zbabělce.

This situation turns people into both heroes and cowards.

Philosophical use of 'dělat z někoho něco'.

4

Dělá se to tak od nepaměti.

It has been done this way since time immemorial.

Passive with 'se' + temporal adverbial.

5

Jeho přítomnost dělala atmosféru snesitelnější.

His presence made the atmosphere more bearable.

Literary register.

6

Děláš z komára velblouda.

You are making a mountain out of a molehill.

Idiom (literally 'making a camel out of a mosquito').

7

Dělá dobrotu, kamkoliv přijde.

He spreads goodness wherever he goes.

Abstract positive use.

8

Dělal vše pro to, aby se vyhnul odpovědnosti.

He did everything possible to avoid responsibility.

Complex sentence with purpose clause.

자주 쓰는 조합

dělat úkol
dělat chybu
dělat snídani
dělat sport
dělat hluk
dělat radost
dělat nákup
dělat kariéru
dělat pokroky
dělat problémy

자주 쓰는 구문

Co děláš?

— What are you doing? (Standard question for current activity).

Ahoj, co teď děláš?

Co děláte?

— What do you do? (Can refer to profession or current activity).

A co děláte v životě?

Dělám to pro tebe.

— I am doing it for you.

Věř mi, dělám to pro tebe.

Nedělej to!

— Don't do it! (Strong command).

To je nebezpečné, nedělej to!

Dělám, co můžu.

— I am doing what I can.

Snažím se, dělám, co můžu.

To se nedělá.

— That is not done (That is bad manners).

Mluvit s plnou pusou, to se nedělá.

Děláš si srandu?

— Are you kidding? (Very common casual phrase).

Ty jsi vyhrál? Děláš si srandu?

Dělám na tom.

— I am working on it.

Neboj se, už na tom dělám.

Co naděláme.

— What can we do (Expression of resignation).

Prší, co naděláme.

Dělej!

— Hurry up! / Do it!

Dělej, už musíme jít!

관용어 및 표현

"dělat si legraci"

— To make fun of someone or to joke.

Nedělej si ze mě legraci.

informal
"dělat z komára velblouda"

— To exaggerate a small problem (make a mountain out of a molehill).

Uklidni se, děláš z komára velblouda.

neutral
"dělat mrtvého brouka"

— To ignore a situation or pretend not to notice something.

Když přišel účet, dělal mrtvého brouka.

informal
"dělat drahoty"

— To play hard to get or to be reluctant to agree to something.

Nejdřív dělala drahoty, ale pak přišla.

informal
"dělat ramena"

— To act tough or show off one's strength/importance.

Před holkama vždycky dělá ramena.

slang
"dělat si hlavu"

— To worry too much about something.

Nedělej si z toho těžkou hlavu.

neutral
"dělat dobrotu"

— To cause no trouble or to be beneficial.

Tenhle lék mi nedělá dobrotu.

neutral
"dělat čest"

— To bring honor or credit to someone.

Děláš čest naší škole.

formal
"dělat scény"

— To make a scene (shout or argue in public).

Prosím tě, nedělej tady scény.

neutral
"dělat psí kusy"

— To perform antics or do crazy things.

Ten pes venku dělá psí kusy.

informal

어휘 가족

명사

dělník (worker)
dílo (work/opus)
dělaní (doing/making)
oddělení (department)

동사

udělat (to finish doing)
vydělat (to earn)
předělat (to redo)
dodělat (to finish off)
prodělat (to lose money/go through)

형용사

dělaný (made/done)
vydělaný (earned)
předělaný (remade)

관련

dílna (workshop)
děj (plot/action)
dělnický (working-class)
dodělávka (finishing touch)
výdělek (earnings)

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Deli' where they 'DĚLAT' (make) sandwiches. You go to the deli to see what they are doing.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant hand 'doing' a puzzle or 'making' a clay pot. The hand is labeled with the letters D-Ě-L-A-T.

Word Web

úkol práce chyba snídaně sport nákup radost legrace

챌린지

Try to use 'dělat' in five different sentences today: one for a job, one for a meal, one for a hobby, one for a mistake, and one for a joke.

어원

Derived from the Proto-Slavic root *dělatі, which is related to *dělo (work, deed).

원래 의미: To work, to act, or to put something in place.

Indo-European -> Balto-Slavic -> Slavic -> West Slavic -> Czech.

문화적 맥락

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful with 'dělat si z někoho prdel' which is a vulgar version of 'making fun of someone'.

English speakers often struggle because they want to distinguish between 'do' and 'make', but 'dělat' covers both, simplifying the learning process once you accept it.

The phrase 'Co děláte?' is the title of various Czech songs and poems. Václav Havel's plays often use 'dělat' to highlight the absurdity of bureaucratic actions. In the movie 'Pelíšky', characters use 'dělat' in many iconic humorous lines.
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