Meaning
Being in a bad mood all day.
Cultural Background
Czechs often use this idiom as a way to apologize for their own behavior without having to go into deep emotional detail. The belief that the left side was 'sinister' led to the tradition of 'footmen' at temples ensuring guests entered with their right foot first. In village traditions, the left side was where the 'domovoi' (house spirit) might be offended if stepped upon incorrectly in the morning. It is one of the few idioms acceptable to use about a superior (behind their back) to explain away a difficult work environment.
Use it for yourself
If you are being grumpy, say 'Promiň, vstal jsem levou nohou.' It immediately makes people more sympathetic.
Gender matters
Don't forget to change 'vstal' to 'vstala' if you are a woman!
Meaning
Being in a bad mood all day.
Use it for yourself
If you are being grumpy, say 'Promiň, vstal jsem levou nohou.' It immediately makes people more sympathetic.
Gender matters
Don't forget to change 'vstal' to 'vstala' if you are a woman!
Test Yourself
Doplňte správný tvar slovesa 'vstát'.
Petr je dneska hrozně protivný. On asi ____ levou nohou.
Petr is a male name, so we use the masculine past tense 'vstal'.
Která věta je správně?
Vyberte gramaticky správnou větu:
Czech uses the instrumental case without a preposition for this idiom.
Přiřaďte situaci k idiomu.
Kdy použijete 'vstát levou nohou'?
The idiom describes being grumpy or having bad luck starting in the morning.
Doplňte dialog.
A: Proč jsi na mě tak zlá? B: Promiň, dneska jsem ____.
The correct verb is 'vstát' (to get up).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Vstát levou nohou'
Situations
- • Spilled coffee
- • Missed bus
- • Grumpy at breakfast
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPetr je dneska hrozně protivný. On asi ____ levou nohou.
Petr is a male name, so we use the masculine past tense 'vstal'.
Vyberte gramaticky správnou větu:
Czech uses the instrumental case without a preposition for this idiom.
Kdy použijete 'vstát levou nohou'?
The idiom describes being grumpy or having bad luck starting in the morning.
A: Proč jsi na mě tak zlá? B: Promiň, dneska jsem ____.
The correct verb is 'vstát' (to get up).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot really. While 'vstát pravou nohou' is logically the opposite, it's not a standard idiom. People will understand you, but it sounds like a joke.
It depends on your relationship. In a relaxed office, it's fine. In a formal one, it's better to say 'Šéf nemá svůj den' (The boss isn't having his day).
The phrase refers to the act of getting up, but the *effect* lasts all day. You can say it in the afternoon to explain why you've been grumpy since morning.
Related Phrases
mít den blbec
similarTo have a day where everything goes wrong.
vyspat se do růžova
contrastTo wake up feeling great and refreshed.
ranní ptáče dál doskáče
builds onThe early bird catches the worm.
