Meaning
Used when you do not follow the conversation.
Cultural Background
Slovaks appreciate honesty. If you are lost, just say it. The phrase is identical in Czech, making it very useful for cross-border travel. Polish uses 'Nie rozumiem', which is very similar to Slovak. Ukrainian uses 'Ne rozumiyu', showing the Slavic linguistic connection.
Add 'Prepáčte'
Adding 'Prepáčte' (Excuse me) makes you sound much more polite.
Don't just say it and walk away
Always follow up with a request for help or a slower pace.
Meaning
Used when you do not follow the conversation.
Add 'Prepáčte'
Adding 'Prepáčte' (Excuse me) makes you sound much more polite.
Don't just say it and walk away
Always follow up with a request for help or a slower pace.
Use hand gestures
A confused look or a hand gesture helps the speaker understand you are struggling.
Be honest
Slovaks appreciate when you admit you don't understand; it shows you are trying to learn.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: 'Prepáčte, ______.'
Prepáčte, ______.
This is the standard way to ask for clarification.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct form.
Rozumieť requires the dative case.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match: Nerozumiem, Neviem, Nesúhlasím.
These are the three most common negative responses.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Rozumieš mi?' B: '______.'
This is a logical response to a question about understanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesPrepáčte, ______.
This is the standard way to ask for clarification.
Choose the correct form.
Rozumieť requires the dative case.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common negative responses.
A: 'Rozumieš mi?' B: '______.'
This is a logical response to a question about understanding.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's neutral. Use 'Prepáčte' to be polite.
Yes, it's perfectly fine.
Say 'Nerozumiem tomuto slovu'.
Yes, it's almost identical.
Because 'rozumieť' requires it in Slovak grammar.
Say 'Môžete hovoriť pomalšie?'
'Nechápem' is more like 'I don't get the logic'. 'Nerozumiem' is for language.
Yes, but be polite: 'Prepáčte, nerozumiem, môžete to preformulovať?'
No, the verb form is the same for all genders.
Say 'Nerozumiem vôbec nič'.
It's mostly for spoken communication.
Nerozumiem ti (informal) or Nerozumiem vám (formal).
Related Phrases
Môžete to zopakovať?
builds onCan you repeat that?
Čo to znamená?
similarWhat does that mean?
Hovoríte po anglicky?
similarDo you speak English?
Neviem
contrastI don't know
