Meaning
Literally 'to have fear'.
Cultural Background
Czechs often use 'mít strach' as a form of social bonding, sharing worries about politics or the economy as a way to relate to others. There is a shared cultural trope of the 'fearful but brave' soldier (like Švejk), who admits fear but continues anyway. Many Czech fairy tales involve a protagonist who 'doesn't know what fear is' (neví, co je strach) and must go on a quest to learn it. Czech parents are very vocal with 'Neměj strach', reflecting a culture that prioritizes emotional reassurance for children.
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember: Fear of a THING = Z + Genitive. Mám strach z pavouka.
No 'Jsem'
Never say 'Jsem strach'. It makes you sound like you are the personification of fear itself!
Meaning
Literally 'to have fear'.
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember: Fear of a THING = Z + Genitive. Mám strach z pavouka.
No 'Jsem'
Never say 'Jsem strach'. It makes you sound like you are the personification of fear itself!
Reassurance
Use 'Neměj strach' as a magic phrase to make Czech friends feel comfortable around you.
Honesty
Don't be afraid to admit fear in Czechia; it's often seen as more honest than false bravado.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mít'.
Já ___ strach ze tmy.
The subject is 'Já' (I), so the verb must be 'mám'.
Choose the correct preposition for 'worrying about someone'.
Mám strach ___ tebe.
When you are worried about someone's well-being, you use 'o' + accusative.
Match the Czech phrase with its English meaning.
1. Mám strach z pavouků. 2. Neměj strach. 3. Máme strach o děti.
These are the three most common uses of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Proč nejdeš do vody? B: Protože ___ strach z hloubky.
The speaker is explaining their own fear.
Which phrase fits the situation: You see a huge spider.
Situation: A huge spider is on the wall.
You are afraid OF the spider, so you use 'z' + genitive.
Fill in the negative form to reassure someone.
___ strach, všechno bude v pořádku.
The imperative 'Neměj' is used to tell someone 'Don't have (fear)'.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Fear vs. Startle
Practice Bank
6 exercisesJá ___ strach ze tmy.
The subject is 'Já' (I), so the verb must be 'mám'.
Mám strach ___ tebe.
When you are worried about someone's well-being, you use 'o' + accusative.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common uses of the phrase.
A: Proč nejdeš do vody? B: Protože ___ strach z hloubky.
The speaker is explaining their own fear.
Situation: A huge spider is on the wall.
You are afraid OF the spider, so you use 'z' + genitive.
___ strach, všechno bude v pořádku.
The imperative 'Neměj' is used to tell someone 'Don't have (fear)'.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use 'Bohužel ano' or 'Obávám se, že ano'. 'Mít strach' is too literal for that polite expression.
'Mít strach' is a state (to have fear), while 'bát se' is the verb (to fear). They are mostly interchangeable, but 'bát se' is slightly more common in daily speech.
It is masculine inanimate. This is why we say 'velký strach' and not 'velká strach'.
You can say 'Mám k smrti strach' or 'Umírám strachy'.
In Czech logic, fear comes 'out of' (z) the object toward you. You are receiving the fear from the source.
No, that's an English-ism. Always use 'Mám strach o tebe'.
Yes, but 'mít obavy' (to have concerns) sounds slightly more professional.
The opposite is 'být statečný' (to be brave) or 'mít odvahu' (to have courage).
Měl jsem strach (I had fear), Měla jsem strach (fem.), Měli jsme strach (we).
Yes, it's one of the first emotional phrases Czech children learn.
Related Phrases
bát se
synonymto fear / to be afraid
mít nahnáno
specialized formto be really scared (slang)
mít vítr
idiomto be scared of a consequence
děsit se
builds onto be terrified
obávat se
similarto be concerned / to apprehend
