Meaning
Someone known for a long time
Cultural Background
Friendship is often viewed as a lifelong commitment. It is common to have 'staří přátelé' from 'školka' (kindergarten) whom you still see weekly in your 40s. Very similar to Czech culture, the term 'starý priateľ' carries the same weight of history and trust. The concept of 'Old World' friendship involves high levels of loyalty and shared history, often contrasted with the 'superficial' friendships of the 'New World'. In literature, this phrase is often used to personify objects, like a 'starý přítel' referring to a favorite book or a well-worn coat.
Use 'Starej' for extra flavor
In casual conversation, use the ending '-ej' (starej přítel) to sound more like a local.
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'přítelkyně' for women. Using 'přítel' for a woman sounds very strange in Czech.
Meaning
Someone known for a long time
Use 'Starej' for extra flavor
In casual conversation, use the ending '-ej' (starej přítel) to sound more like a local.
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'přítelkyně' for women. Using 'přítel' for a woman sounds very strange in Czech.
The 'Ty' vs 'Vy' rule
You will almost always use 'ty' (informal you) with a 'starý přítel', even if they are much older than you now.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'starý přítel' in the plural.
Na svatbu přišli všichni moji ______ ______.
In the nominative plural animate, 'starý' becomes 'staří' and 'přítel' becomes 'přátelé'.
Which sentence means 'I met a friend I've known for a long time'?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Bývalý' means ex-boyfriend, and 'starší' means older in age.
Match the Czech phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the key distinctions in Czech social terminology.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Kdo je ta paní? B: To je Jana, moje ______ ______ ze školy.
Since the subject is 'ta paní' (that lady), you must use the feminine form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNa svatbu přišli všichni moji ______ ______.
In the nominative plural animate, 'starý' becomes 'staří' and 'přítel' becomes 'přátelé'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Bývalý' means ex-boyfriend, and 'starší' means older in age.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the key distinctions in Czech social terminology.
A: Kdo je ta paní? B: To je Jana, moje ______ ______ ze školy.
Since the subject is 'ta paní' (that lady), you must use the feminine form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot necessarily. It usually refers to the length of the friendship. A 20-year-old can have a 'starý přítel' from kindergarten.
Use 'stará přítelkyně'. However, be careful as 'přítelkyně' also means 'girlfriend'. Context is key.
'Přítel' is a close friend; 'známý' is just someone you know. 'Starý známý' is often used for people you haven't seen in a long time.
The correct form is 'staří přátelé'. Note the spelling changes in both words.
No, it is a compliment. It implies loyalty and a shared history.
Yes, 'kamarád' is slightly more informal than 'přítel' but very common.
Use the superlative: 'můj nejstarší přítel'.
Say 'můj přítel, který je už starý' or 'můj starší přítel'.
Yes, to describe long-term partners, but 'dlouholetý partner' is more professional.
It is an irregular plural inherited from Old Czech. It is one of the most important irregularities to learn.
Related Phrases
Dlouholetý přítel
similarLong-term friend
Bývalý přítel
contrastEx-boyfriend
Starý známý
similarOld acquaintance
Kamarád do deště
builds onA friend for rainy days
