Meaning
Describing a lengthy trip.
Cultural Background
Czechs are famous for 'chataření' (cottage culture). A 'dlouhá cesta' often refers to the Friday afternoon drive from the city to a rural cottage. Similar to Czech, but the word is 'dlhá cesta'. The cultural emphasis on mountain hiking is equally strong. The 'long road' often refers to the historical transition from communism to democracy. In the startup world in Prague, 'dlouhá cesta' is used to describe the path from a seed round to an exit.
Case shortcut
If you're unsure of the case, just say 'To je dlouhá cesta' (Nominative). It's almost always understood.
Gender Trap
Don't say 'dlouhý cesta'. It's a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to native speakers.
Meaning
Describing a lengthy trip.
Case shortcut
If you're unsure of the case, just say 'To je dlouhá cesta' (Nominative). It's almost always understood.
Gender Trap
Don't say 'dlouhý cesta'. It's a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to native speakers.
Metaphorical Power
Use this phrase in job interviews to show you understand that success takes time. It shows maturity.
Hiking Etiquette
When hiking in Czechia, if someone tells you it's a 'dlouhá cesta', they usually mean you have at least 2 more hours of walking!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'dlouhá cesta'.
Máme před sebou ______ ______ do Brna.
After 'před sebou' (in the sense of 'having something ahead'), we use the accusative case.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Cesta' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'dlouhá'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking about a 12-hour flight.
A 12-hour flight is a long journey.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Už jsi se naučil česky?' B: 'Ještě ne, je to ______ ______.'
Learning a language is a long process/journey.
Match the Czech phrase with its English equivalent.
Match them:
Direct translation.
Use the correct case after the preposition 'po'.
Po ______ ______ jsme byli unavení.
The preposition 'po' (after) takes the locative case here.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Dlouhá vs. Daleká
Practice Bank
6 exercisesMáme před sebou ______ ______ do Brna.
After 'před sebou' (in the sense of 'having something ahead'), we use the accusative case.
Select the correct option:
'Cesta' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'dlouhá'.
You are talking about a 12-hour flight.
A 12-hour flight is a long journey.
A: 'Už jsi se naučil česky?' B: 'Ještě ne, je to ______ ______.'
Learning a language is a long process/journey.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
Po ______ ______ jsme byli unavení.
The preposition 'po' (after) takes the locative case here.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but 'dlouhá ulice' is more specific. 'Dlouhá cesta' implies a path or a journey rather than a city street.
'Cesta' is the journey/way, 'výlet' is a trip/excursion for pleasure.
It is neutral. It can be used in a formal speech or a casual chat.
You can say 'velmi dlouhá cesta' or 'předlouhá cesta'.
No, for a book use 'dlouhá kniha'.
Yes, exactly.
Yes, always.
'Čekat' (to await) or 'mít' (to have).
No, use 'dlouhý film'.
Yes, 'štreka'.
Je to dlouhá cesta na vrchol.
Yes, metaphorically.
Dlouhé cesty.
Yes, very frequently in Czech pop and folk music.
Related Phrases
Šťastnou cestu
similarHave a safe journey
Cestovní horečka
builds onTravel fever/pre-trip anxiety
Běh na dlouhou trať
specialized formA long-distance run
Zkratka
contrastShortcut
Daleká cesta
synonymA far journey
Cestou necestou
similarThrough thick and thin / over hills and dales
