Meaning
Listening to musical works.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Co Čech, to muzikant' (Every Czech is a musician) reflects the deep-seated love for music. Listening to music is not just a hobby but a cultural duty. Slovak and Czech share a very similar musical history. The phrase 'počúvať hudbu' is the Slovak equivalent, and the cultural importance is identical. In the age of Spotify, Czechs use 'poslouchat hudbu' to describe their curated playlists, just like anywhere else in the world. During the National Revival, listening to music in the Czech language was a way to preserve national identity against German influence.
The 'U' Rule
Always remember to change 'hudba' to 'hudbu' when you are the one doing the listening!
No 'TO'
Never say 'poslouchat na hudbu'. It sounds very foreign to Czech ears.
Meaning
Listening to musical works.
The 'U' Rule
Always remember to change 'hudba' to 'hudbu' when you are the one doing the listening!
No 'TO'
Never say 'poslouchat na hudbu'. It sounds very foreign to Czech ears.
Reflexive variation
Use 'poslechnout si' (perfective) when you want to say you'll listen to one specific song or album.
Music as a gift
Czechs often share what they are listening to as a way of bonding. Don't be afraid to share your playlist!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'hudba'.
Rád poslouchám ______.
After the verb 'poslouchat', we use the Accusative case. 'Hudba' becomes 'hudbu'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural Czech sentence:
Czech does not use 'na' (to) and requires the accusative 'hudbu'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Co děláš? B: ______ (I am listening to music).
'Poslouchám' is the correct verb for the activity of listening.
Match the verb to the situation.
You are focusing on a new album by your favorite singer.
Because you are focusing and being active, 'poslouchat' is the right choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Poslouchat vs Slyšet
Practice Bank
4 exercisesRád poslouchám ______.
After the verb 'poslouchat', we use the Accusative case. 'Hudba' becomes 'hudbu'.
Choose the natural Czech sentence:
Czech does not use 'na' (to) and requires the accusative 'hudbu'.
A: Co děláš? B: ______ (I am listening to music).
'Poslouchám' is the correct verb for the activity of listening.
You are focusing on a new album by your favorite singer.
Because you are focusing and being active, 'poslouchat' is the right choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, when you are listening to something (music, radio, a person), it takes the accusative case.
Yes, that means 'I am listening to songs' and is very common.
'Poslouchat' is for the ongoing process or habit. 'Poslechnout si' is for a single, finished act of listening.
Poslouchám jazz. (Note: jazz is masculine, so it doesn't change in the accusative).
Yes! 'Děti musí poslouchat rodiče' means 'Children must obey their parents'.
Yes, 'muzika' is slightly more informal than 'hudba' but very common in speech.
Poslouchám rádio.
No, never use a preposition between 'poslouchat' and the object.
It is the Accusative case (4. pád).
Yes, 'poslouchám podcast' is perfectly correct.
Rád poslouchám hudbu.
No, in Czech 'h' is always voiced and quite strong.
Related Phrases
Poslouchat na slovo
specialized formTo obey perfectly
Slyšet hudbu
contrastTo hear music
Hrát na nástroj
similarTo play an instrument
Vychutnat si skladbu
builds onTo savor a piece of music
Pustit hudbu
similarTo play/start music
