Meaning
Stating that you are behind schedule.
Cultural Background
Punctuality is highly valued. If you have a meeting at 10:00, arriving at 10:05 without a message is considered rude. There is a running joke that 'zpoždění' is the middle name of the national railway company. Passengers often check the 'SŽDC' app specifically for delay updates. The 'Academic Quarter' (akademická čtvrthodinka) is a tradition where students wait 15 minutes for a professor. If the professor 'má zpoždění' longer than that, students usually leave. In casual settings, a 10-15 minute delay is often tolerated, but it's still polite to use the phrase 'Mám zpoždění' as a heads-up.
The 'O' Rule
Always use 'o' when saying how many minutes you are late. 'Mám zpoždění o 10 minut.'
Avoid 'Jsem'
Never use 'Jsem' with 'zpoždění'. It's a classic giveaway that you are a beginner translating from English.
Meaning
Stating that you are behind schedule.
The 'O' Rule
Always use 'o' when saying how many minutes you are late. 'Mám zpoždění o 10 minut.'
Avoid 'Jsem'
Never use 'Jsem' with 'zpoždění'. It's a classic giveaway that you are a beginner translating from English.
Use 'Sekera' for street cred
If you want to sound like a local with your friends, say 'Mám sekeru'. They will be impressed!
Apologize first
In Czechia, always start with 'Promiň' or 'Omlouvám se' before stating your delay.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mít'.
Promiň, já ___ zpoždění deset minut.
The subject is 'já' (I), so the verb must be 'mám'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'The train is 5 minutes late'?
Czech uses 'mít zpoždění' + 'o' + time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Už jsi tady? B: Ne, ___ zpoždění kvůli nehodě.
The standard phrase is 'mám zpoždění'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are texting your boss because your car won't start.
This is the most appropriate formal/neutral way to announce a future delay to a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPromiň, já ___ zpoždění deset minut.
The subject is 'já' (I), so the verb must be 'mám'.
How do you say 'The train is 5 minutes late'?
Czech uses 'mít zpoždění' + 'o' + time.
A: Už jsi tady? B: Ne, ___ zpoždění kvůli nehodě.
The standard phrase is 'mám zpoždění'.
You are texting your boss because your car won't start.
This is the most appropriate formal/neutral way to announce a future delay to a superior.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is the standard way to say a person is late.
'Mám zpoždění' refers to the delay itself, while 'jdu pozdě' focuses on the fact that you are currently walking/traveling and are late.
Use 'Omlouvám se za zpoždění'.
It is neuter (to zpoždění).
Yes, you can say 'Projekt má zpoždění'.
It literally means 'to have an axe', but it's slang for being late.
Ask: 'Má ten vlak zpoždění?'
It's common, but usually requires a quick 'Mám zpoždění' text.
Usually, but it can also refer to a delay in a physical signal or process.
Say 'Měl jsem zpoždění'.
Related Phrases
jít pozdě
similarto be going late
mít sekeru
synonymto be late (slang)
přijít včas
contrastto arrive on time
zdržet se
builds onto be held up
časová tíseň
specialized formtime pressure
