Meaning
Going to buy things.
Cultural Background
The 'rohlík' culture: Czechs often go shopping daily just to get fresh bread rolls. If you see someone with a small bag containing 5-10 rolls, they have just 'šli na nákup'. Sunday Shopping: Unlike Germany or Austria, most Czech supermarkets are open on Sundays, making 'jít na nákup' a popular Sunday afternoon activity for families. Reusable Bags: It is very common to carry a 'síťovka' (traditional net bag) or a cloth bag. Using too many plastic bags is often frowned upon. Discount Hunting: Czechs are world champions in buying items on sale ('v akci'). 'Jít na nákup' often involves checking leaflets first.
Use 'Skočit'
If you want to sound like a local, use 'Skočím na nákup' for any trip that takes less than 30 minutes.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'v nákupu' to mean you are going shopping. It's always 'na'.
Meaning
Going to buy things.
Use 'Skočit'
If you want to sound like a local, use 'Skočím na nákup' for any trip that takes less than 30 minutes.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'v nákupu' to mean you are going shopping. It's always 'na'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'jít'.
Já dnes ______ na nákup.
The first person singular of 'jít' is 'jdu'.
Choose the correct preposition and case.
Kde jsi? Jsem ______.
When describing location (Where are you?), Czech uses the locative case: 'na nákupu'.
Match the Czech phrase with its English nuance.
Match the following:
These are the three main nuances of shopping in Czech.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Máme v lednici mléko? B: Ne, musím ______.
The context requires a verb of motion to solve the problem of having no milk.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
What's in the Nákup?
Potraviny
- • Chleba
- • Mléko
- • Vejce
Drogerie
- • Mýdlo
- • Šampon
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJá dnes ______ na nákup.
The first person singular of 'jít' is 'jdu'.
Kde jsi? Jsem ______.
When describing location (Where are you?), Czech uses the locative case: 'na nákupu'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three main nuances of shopping in Czech.
A: Máme v lednici mléko? B: Ne, musím ______.
The context requires a verb of motion to solve the problem of having no milk.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, if you are driving to a distant hypermarket, 'jet na nákup' is correct. However, 'jít' is often used as a general term for the errand regardless of transport.
Mostly, yes. It covers groceries, toiletries, and basic household needs. For a new TV or a dress, you'd likely use different phrasing.
'Nákup' is the trip/event. 'Nakupování' is the continuous activity. You go on a 'nákup', you don't go on a 'nakupování'.
Related Phrases
Nákupní seznam
builds onShopping list
Nákupní košík
builds onShopping basket/cart
Nakupovat
similarTo shop (verb)
Vyprodané
contrastSold out
