Meaning
A present that cost a lot.
Cultural Background
Slovaks often give gifts for 'Meniny' (Name Days). These are usually small, but a 'drahý darček' is reserved for 'Okrúhliny' (round birthdays like 30, 40, 50). At Christmas, the 'drahý darček' is said to be brought by 'Ježiško' (Baby Jesus), not Santa Claus. Parents often hide the cost to keep the magic alive. When visiting someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift. Bringing a 'drahý darček' for a simple dinner might be seen as 'too much' and make the host feel awkward. There is a strong tradition of 'reciprocity'. If you receive a 'drahý darček', you are often expected to give one of similar value in return later.
The 'Dear' Ambiguity
Remember that 'drahý' means both 'expensive' and 'dear'. Context is everything!
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'darček' is masculine. Using 'drahá' or 'drahé' (singular) is a common beginner mistake.
Meaning
A present that cost a lot.
The 'Dear' Ambiguity
Remember that 'drahý' means both 'expensive' and 'dear'. Context is everything!
Gender Agreement
Don't forget that 'darček' is masculine. Using 'drahá' or 'drahé' (singular) is a common beginner mistake.
Diminutives
Using 'darček' instead of 'dar' makes you sound more like a native speaker in social settings.
Modesty
If someone calls your gift a 'drahý darček', it's polite to say it was nothing special.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'drahý'.
To je ______ darček.
'Darček' is masculine singular, so we use 'drahý'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I bought an expensive gift'?
The adjective comes before the noun and must match its gender.
Match the Slovak phrase with its English translation.
Match the pairs:
These are basic adjective-noun pairs for gifts.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Čo si kúpil mame? B: Kúpil som jej ______ ______.
The accusative case for masculine inanimate nouns is the same as the nominative.
In which situation would you say 'To je príliš drahý darček'?
Choose the best situation:
This phrase is used when a gift's value exceeds the social expectation.
Use the plural form.
V obchode majú ______ ______.
The plural of 'drahý' for masculine inanimate is 'drahé'.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
Gift Types
Drahý
- • Hodinky
- • Auto
- • Mobil
Lacný
- • Čokoláda
- • Pero
- • Kvet
Practice Bank
6 exercisesTo je ______ darček.
'Darček' is masculine singular, so we use 'drahý'.
How do you say 'I bought an expensive gift'?
The adjective comes before the noun and must match its gender.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are basic adjective-noun pairs for gifts.
A: Čo si kúpil mame? B: Kúpil som jej ______ ______.
The accusative case for masculine inanimate nouns is the same as the nominative.
Choose the best situation:
This phrase is used when a gift's value exceeds the social expectation.
V obchode majú ______ ______.
The plural of 'drahý' for masculine inanimate is 'drahé'.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'Drahá mama' means 'Dear mom'. It does not mean she is expensive.
No, you can call a car or a house a 'darček' if it is a gift.
Use 'príliš drahý'. For example: 'To je príliš drahý darček.'
The plural is 'drahé darčeky'.
No, it's just more formal. Use it in writing or official speeches.
'Drahí' is for masculine animate plural (people). For a gift (inanimate), we use 'drahý' (singular) or 'drahé' (plural).
Yes, 'veľmi' means 'very' and is perfectly natural here.
It's still a 'darček', but usually not a 'drahý' one.
You usually don't ask the price of a gift you received. It's considered rude.
Yes, 'pálka' or 'morda' are used for very high prices.
Related Phrases
lacný darček
contrastA cheap gift
vzácny dar
similarA precious gift
malý darček
builds onA small gift
vianočný darček
specialized formA Christmas gift
svadobný dar
specialized formA wedding gift
pozornosť
similarA small token/attention
