Meaning
The entire duration of a day
Cultural Background
The concept of 'celodenní výlet' (all-day trip) is a staple of Czech family life, usually involving hiking and a visit to a pub for lunch. Czechs value punctuality and often use 'celý den' to describe a productive day at work, distinguishing it from 'flákání' (slacking off). Spending 'celý den' outside is the ultimate goal for many Czechs during the summer months at their country cottages. Some traditional Czech dishes, like 'svíčková', are said to take 'celý den' to prepare properly, emphasizing the cook's dedication.
No Prepositions!
Remember: never say 'pro celý den' for duration. Just say 'celý den'.
Gender Matters
If you change 'day' to 'night' (noc), you must change 'celý' to 'celou'.
Meaning
The entire duration of a day
No Prepositions!
Remember: never say 'pro celý den' for duration. Just say 'celý den'.
Gender Matters
If you change 'day' to 'night' (noc), you must change 'celý' to 'celou'.
Emphasis
Put 'celý den' at the start of the sentence to sound more dramatic or frustrated.
Small Talk
Complaining about being busy 'celý den' is a very common and safe way to start a conversation with a Czech colleague.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing phrase to say 'I worked all day.'
Včera jsem pracoval ________.
In Czech, duration is expressed by the accusative case without a preposition.
Which sentence is correct for 'It will rain all day tomorrow'?
Select the correct option:
'Každý den' means every day, and 'celou dnu' is grammatically incorrect (den is masculine).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Proč jsi tak unavený? B: ________ jsem uklízel.
'Celý den' explains *why* the person is tired by emphasizing the duration of the work.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You want to tell someone you are free from 9 AM to 9 PM.
'Celý den' covers the entire span of available time.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Celý vs. Každý
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVčera jsem pracoval ________.
In Czech, duration is expressed by the accusative case without a preposition.
Select the correct option:
'Každý den' means every day, and 'celou dnu' is grammatically incorrect (den is masculine).
A: Proč jsi tak unavený? B: ________ jsem uklízel.
'Celý den' explains *why* the person is tired by emphasizing the duration of the work.
You want to tell someone you are free from 9 AM to 9 PM.
'Celý den' covers the entire span of available time.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsGrammatically possible but sounds very strange for duration. Use 'celý den' instead.
It is neutral. It works in both a business email and a text to a friend.
'Po celý den' is slightly more formal and means 'throughout the whole day'.
You can just say 'celý den' or add 'celičký' for emphasis: 'celičký den'.
Usually, it means the waking hours (morning to evening), but context can imply 24 hours.
Yes, as long as the verb can happen over time (e.g., work, rain, sleep, wait).
Because 'den' is masculine inanimate, and its nominative and accusative forms are identical.
Yes, 'v kuse' (straight/without a break) is often used similarly.
Ne celý den.
Yes: 'Zítra budu celý den v práci.'
Celý rok.
Yes, very frequently to establish the passage of time.
Related Phrases
Celou noc
similarAll night
Každý den
contrastEvery day
Celý týden
builds onAll week
Celý život
builds onAll life / Lifelong
Po celý den
specialized formThroughout the day
