Meaning
Having a lot of money.
Cultural Background
Talking about money is traditionally considered a bit 'taboo' or impolite in Czech culture. Using idioms like 'být v balíku' allows people to discuss wealth indirectly and with a touch of humor. In Prague, where the cost of living and salaries are higher, being 'v balíku' might require a much larger sum than in smaller villages in Moravia. The 'Zbohatlíci' (nouveau riche) of the 90s are often associated with this phrase. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of someone who flaunts their wealth. Younger Czechs influenced by global hip-hop culture use 'být v balíku' or 'flexit' (to flex) much more openly than their parents.
Use with 'fakt'
To sound more natural, add 'fakt' (really). 'On je fakt v balíku.'
Watch the 'v'
Forgetting the 'v' changes the meaning from 'rich' to 'clumsy person'.
Meaning
Having a lot of money.
Use with 'fakt'
To sound more natural, add 'fakt' (really). 'On je fakt v balíku.'
Watch the 'v'
Forgetting the 'v' changes the meaning from 'rich' to 'clumsy person'.
Irony
Czechs often use this ironically when they find a small coin on the street: 'No, teď jsem v balíku!'
Modesty
Even if you are 'v balíku', it's often better not to say it about yourself too loudly in the Czech Republic.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Kdybych vyhrál milion, byl bych v ______.
After the preposition 'v', we use the locative case 'balíku'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He is loaded' in a casual conversation?
Jak to řekneš kamarádovi?
'On je v balíku' is the standard informal idiom. 'Velký majetek' is too formal, and 'velký balík' means he is a clumsy person.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situace: Tvůj kamarád si právě koupil soukromé letadlo.
Buying a private jet is a clear sign of being 'v balíku'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ten nový šéf prý bere 200 tisíc měsíčně.' B: 'Týjo, tak ten ______.'
The idiom 'být v balíku' fits perfectly here to describe a high salary.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Balík vs. V Balíku
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKdybych vyhrál milion, byl bych v ______.
After the preposition 'v', we use the locative case 'balíku'.
Jak to řekneš kamarádovi?
'On je v balíku' is the standard informal idiom. 'Velký majetek' is too formal, and 'velký balík' means he is a clumsy person.
Situace: Tvůj kamarád si právě koupil soukromé letadlo.
Buying a private jet is a clear sign of being 'v balíku'.
A: 'Ten nový šéf prý bere 200 tisíc měsíčně.' B: 'Týjo, tak ten ______.'
The idiom 'být v balíku' fits perfectly here to describe a high salary.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it is very informal. It's like saying someone is 'loaded' in English.
Yes, it's the same for all genders: 'Ona je v balíku.'
The formal version is 'být bohatý' or 'být movitý'.
No, its primary meaning is a 'package' or 'parcel'. Context tells you if it's money.
Only in very casual business settings, like between close colleagues. Never with clients.
There is no fixed amount, but it usually implies enough to live very comfortably or buy luxury items.
Yes, 'mám balík' (I have a bundle) is a very common alternative.
Not at all. It's still very common among all age groups.
It means to suddenly acquire a lot of money (e.g., through inheritance or lottery).
'V vatě' sounds a bit more like 'living in the lap of luxury', while 'v balíku' is more about the cash itself.
No, the idiom is always singular: 'v balíku'.
Yes, especially in Czech rap and pop music.
Related Phrases
Být za vodou
synonymTo be financially set for life.
Být v vatě
synonymTo live in luxury/cushioned by wealth.
Mít hluboko do kapsy
contrastTo have very little money.
Přijít k balíku
builds onTo suddenly become rich.
Smrdět korunou
contrastTo be extremely broke.
